What Happens in a Physiotherapy Session?
Experiencing pain, recovering from an injury, or aiming to improve your physical function, often leads people to consider physiotherapy. But if you’ve never been to a session, you might wonder what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a physiotherapy session.
Subjective Assessment
Your journey in physiotherapy begins with a comprehensive assessment. A qualified physiotherapist will evaluate your posture, movement patterns, muscle strength, and flexibility to identify the specific structures contributing to your pain or limitations. They will also discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and your personal goals for recovery, whether it's returning to a sport, managing chronic pain, or improving daily activities. This initial assessment is crucial for developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Objective Assessment
Once the assessment is complete, the physiotherapist will outline your personalized treatment plan.
This plan often involves a combination of techniques:
Personalized Exercise Programs: These are central to physiotherapy. Your therapist will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your condition, which may include stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak areas, and mobility exercises to restore pain-free movement. These exercises are vital for promoting long-term recovery and preventing recurrence of issues. You’ll be expected to actively engage and commit to these exercises even outside the clinic.
Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists often use hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, or myofascial release. These techniques help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
Education and Posture Correction: Understanding proper body mechanics is key to preventing future issues. Your physiotherapist will educate you on how to sit, stand, lift, and bend correctly to reduce stress on your body.
Adjunct Therapies: Depending on your condition, modalities like heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be used to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Throughout your treatment, there will be regular progress assessments to adjust the approach as needed. Your therapist will also build trust through active listening, clear explanations of your treatment options, and empathetic interactions, ensuring you understand your care every step of the way.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, a physiotherapy session is a dynamic and interactive experience focused on empowering you with the tools and knowledge to manage your condition and improve your physical well-being.
