Our modern lives are very busy, so it’s understandable that we often overlook the incredible ability of our bodies. Yet every day, we perform countless movements without a second thought.
Bodies are designed to be in motion, whether it’s walking, reaching, lifting, or bending. When an injury or ailment disrupts these natural functions, it can be very concerning. Thankfully, there’s healing power in movement, and our team at Beverly Physiotherapy is skilled at helping people overcome any limitations.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind physiotherapy and discover how physiotherapists use movement as a powerful tool for healing and wellness.
What is Physiotherapy?
You might not be familiar with physiotherapy. Often, our services are only accessed once people encounter problems. Physiotherapy is a science-based health profession that is dedicated to improving physical function and quality of life for people of all ages, abilities, and health concerns. Physiotherapists are experts at assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing all sorts of movement problems. They also have expertise in the therapeutic management of painful orthopaedic conditions.
Physiotherapists provide physical therapy, using targeted exercises, manual therapies, education, and other modalities. It’s a dynamic field that recognizes the profound connection between movement and well-being.
The Body’s Remarkable Adaptability
The body is remarkable in its natural ability to adapt and heal. The role of a physiotherapist is to harness the innate potential for healing and to provide guidance to patients throughout the process. Our goal is to empower patients to maximize mobility, strength, and function after injury, surgery, or illness or even due to age-related changes. We also aim to prevent future occurrences or recurrences of injuries.
There are several key components that make physiotherapy so effective. It begins with a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis that’s specific to your concerns. Taking an individualized approach to healing allows your physiotherapist to pinpoint the root cause of your pain or dysfunction. By carefully evaluating your needs and limitations, we can guide you through a personalized treatment plan that gets results.
A physiotherapy treatment plan can encompass a wide variety of things, but what is most important is that it is designed around your needs, goals, and preferences. It may involve elements such as education, manual therapies, exercises, and other therapeutic modalities. Above all, treatment planning should be a collaborative process that is individualized to you.
What Makes Physiotherapy Successful
Understanding how physiotherapy works is helpful to demonstrate why it’s so successful. Depending on your circumstances, we may take differing approaches to aid in your recovery, but this primer sheds some light on the fascinating science that underpins our techniques.
Movement & Stretching
Movement is so critical to the optimal functioning of the human body, but it can also be so underrecognized! Movement can help heal injuries, reduce pain, and help us maintain mobility as we age. Stretches can also help us restore or gain flexibility in various tissues including muscles, joints, and tendons. Regular movement and stretching can also enhance blood flow and lubricate joints. Motion is lotion!
Exercise
Therapeutic exercises are at the core of what we do. These exercises are designed to target specific areas of immobility and weakness, gradually restoring movement, strength, flexibility, and balance. These elements work together in synergy to allow us to function to our fullest potential. We tailor our exercise programs to each individual patient and their unique circumstances.
Manual Therapies
When we say manual therapy, we mean hands-on techniques performed by your therapist. This could include joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, or massage techniques. Manual therapy techniques are highly effective in improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and promoting healing. Physiotherapy and massage therapy both recognize the incredible healing power of touch.
Pain Management
Pain, in one word, is complex. It can be triggered, influenced, and perpetrated by a huge range of factors. Physiotherapists are often involved in helping to manage both acute and chronic painful conditions. Education is often critical to help reduce pain and other symptoms. Stimulation with non-painful sensory input (like heat, cold, touch, or electrical stimulation) can also be used to help reduce the transmission of pain signals. This may help reduce or eliminate the need for pain medication.
Posture
Physiotherapy often focuses on correcting posture and alignment issues. Prolonged and uninterrupted postures can often trigger musculoskeletal pain and tension. Although there is no “perfect” posture, there are certain factors that reduce postural strain. Most important though is regular movement breaks and changing up your posture throughout the day.
Muscle Memory
When an injury occurs, our muscles and nerves naturally adapt to protect the affected area. This can have the effect of altering our movement patterns. Physiotherapy techniques help to re-educate muscles and nerves in ways that restore proper functioning by leveraging the concept of muscle memory. Essentially, therapy helps muscles to remember and regain their original function through repetitive, targeted exercises.
Neuroplasticity
Our brains have an astonishing capacity for adaptation, which is known as neuroplasticity. Physiotherapy taps into this phenomenon by challenging the nervous system through targeted movements and exercises. As patients repeat these activities, the brain can actually rewire itself to accommodate new, healthier movement patterns.
Empower Healing With Beverly Physiotherapy
At Beverly Physiotherapy, our goal is to empower individuals to regain control of their bodies and lead healthier lives. Understanding the science behind our therapies can help you appreciate the incredible potential our bodies hold for healing and recovery.
If you find yourself facing physical challenges or are seeking to optimize your physical well-being, we can help. Our team of skilled professionals can guide you in transforming your mobility, strength, and overall health. With every movement, you’ll be one step closer to a healthier version of you.
