WHEN TO VISIT A PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Often, when we think of physiotherapy, we associate it only with people who need to be rehabilitated after major accidents, such as those needing to learn how to walk again.
Instead, many of us choose to suffer through the pain our body feels, not wanting to bother health professionals with what we believe to be simply age or activity related niggles that will go away in time. However, many of the aches and pains that we suffer from on a daily basis can actually be improved greatly by visiting a physiotherapist.
- You’re Relying on Medication to Deal with Pain of Normal Activities
When was the last time you took painkillers? For a large number of us, over-the-counter painkillers are a quick and easy way to cope with the pains in our body. Which is entirely true, but if you find you are beginning to rely on painkillers to ease your body’s pain after a few normal activities, then you should consider investigating the problem.
Activities like shopping, sitting at your desk or playing with the kids, should not leave you in so much pain that you need painkillers. Instead, take this as an alarm bell that your body needs to be looked at. By visiting a physiotherapist, they will be able to pinpoint what’s causing the pain in your body and, from there, develop your own personal plan to help you get through the day pain free.
In no time at all, you’ll soon forget the last time you took a painkiller – you simply won’t need them.
- You’re Still in Pain Three or More Days After an Activity
It’s perfectly normal to feel some pain or discomfort after a strenuous activity, after all, we’ve all felt that nauseating pain of trying to function the day after ‘leg day’ at the gym. If, however, you’re still feeling that pain three or more days after that activity, then something isn’t right.
Our bodies are wonderful at adapting and healing themselves, so when a pain starts to become chronic or starts to affect our everyday lives, it should be seen as a cry for help.
Just look at famous athletes, they suffer horrific injuries every season, and yet return to play in no time at all. A lot of this comes down to the physical therapy they receive.
- You Have Ongoing Pain or Difficulty with an Action as You Age
As we get older, we tend to blame that age on every little pain we have. Yet, age should never stop us living the lifestyle that we yearn to lead – it’s just a number after-all!
A decline in flexibility or feeling stiff in our bodies is not normal and is something that needs to be investigated by a professional. True, you might not be able to run a marathon as quick as you did when you were 20, but there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t still run one.
Physical therapists have a number of exercises and stretches to improve the flexibility and mobility of our bodies, no matter what age or shape they are in. By working closely with your physiotherapist, you’ll be feeling twenty years younger in a jiffy.