Physiotherapy treatment plans provide additional care for patients seeking post-surgery recovery, overcoming trauma from accidents, supplementing sports therapy, and more. While attending this type of therapy can expedite your recovery processes, you can also take additional steps to prepare for a physio appointment and get the most from your care.
The dedicated and skilled staff at OAK Physio & Wellness provide personal care to help you get through your first physiotherapy appointment and beyond. Our wellness clinic in Oakville, Ontario, uses physiotherapy to enhance recovery.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, often called physical therapy, is a treatment program used to recover and improve a patient’s ability to move. These treatments provide increased joint mobilization and relief from pain or injury. Typically, patients use physical therapy to regain muscle, movement, and flexibility after surgery, injury, or an accident.
During your treatment, physiotherapists help you stretch, train, and build the muscles necessary to recover. Depending on your goals, conditions, and abilities, a physiotherapy plan may span multiple sessions and call for at-home stretching, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Some physiotherapists use soft tissue mobilization to deliver improved movement and expedited muscle.
Benefits of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy provides patients various helpful tools and exercises that improve their health and lifestyle. The benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Faster recovery: After surgery or physical trauma, physiotherapy can speed recovery by rebuilding the muscles necessary for everyday activities.
- Increased movement: Injuries or conditions that reduce mobility can benefit from therapy exercises stretching the injured area and improving flexibility.
- Injury prevention methods: Individuals who strain their muscles regularly can benefit from physiotherapy to strengthen and maintain healthy joints or muscles as a preventative measure.
- General health improvements: Regularly attending physiotherapy improves your overall health by implementing careful, consistent, and regulated exercise.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Physio Appointment
While our physiotherapists work to provide the best care possible, you can also personally enhance your results and get the most out of every appointment. Consider the following tips to increase the efficacy of your treatment and achieve the best results.
Know Your Goals and Motivations
While physiotherapy aims to improve your physical health, your mental motivation and attitude can influence your results. Before beginning your first session, write down your short-term and long-term goals. Common goals include recovering from surgery, regaining a range of motion, and increasing your ability to perform physical activities such as walking, running, playing sports, and stretching.
You can discuss your goals, motivation, and desired timeline with the physiotherapist. Communicating these goals enables your therapist to develop a treatment plan with exercises and schedules that work for you.
Ask Your Therapist Questions
You may have questions and concerns about beginning physiotherapy, especially when beginning with your first appointment. Asking them can put you at ease and help your therapist provide the best care possible. Write down your questions and bring them with you so you can address any pressing concerns.
Dress Appropriately and Comfortably
During your physio appointment, the therapist may have you perform stretches that improve your range of motion and build muscle in specific areas. In this case, arriving at your appointment in loose, comfortable, and stretchy clothing makes moving easier without restrictions. Many therapists recommend sweatpants, athletic clothing, and sneakers since they are easier to move around.
Record Progress Over Time
Physiotherapy results in incremental improvements. The gradual nature of this process makes it hard to see progress, but recording your progress can help keep you motivated and show your improvements over time.
Use a journal to detail your daily exercises and compare your feelings, abilities, and pain levels across multiple sessions. In addition, note any specific exercises that caused problems or random pains between appointments. Keeping a record of your progress and sharing concerns lets your therapist tailor the treatment plan to your needs and stay current on your goals.
Attend Appointments Consistently
A physiotherapy program includes multiple appointments over weeks or months to make gradual health improvements. Attending each session and developing a consistent schedule for your physio appointments ensures you can maintain and build upon your progress without regressing or losing muscles.
Even when your recovery feels complete, your therapist may recommend additional sessions. Continuing a consistent schedule until the therapist deems your recovery complete can ensure you don’t lose your progress and prevent future injuries.
Practice Exercises at Home
During your treatment period, maintaining your progress ensures a quicker recovery with better results. Your physiotherapist may give you low-impact stretches or exercises you can do at home between appointments. Talk to your therapist to learn the best practices for at-home movements to ensure you don’t over-exert yourself between sessions.
Stay Patient
As mentioned, physiotherapy provides gradual improvements. As you attend your sessions and work toward your goals, you can practice patience by understanding that pain, weakness, and failure are normal and acceptable. Exercise patience and remain motivated by acknowledging your successes and remembering your primary reasons for pursuing physiotherapy.
Schedule Your First Physiotherapy Appointment Today
Physiotherapy can be an excellent way to help you reduce pain and live a healthier, happier life. Many people may feel intimidated about starting and have countless questions. Finding the right therapist and preparing for your appointment can be difficult, but stepping back and following these steps can make your situation less daunting.
If you want someone to assist with your physiotherapy, consider working with OAK Physio & Wellness. Our qualified physiotherapists in Oakville provide effective and personalized care to the Oakville, ON, community. We’ll take the time to answer questions and create a treatment plan that works for you. You can schedule your first physio appointment at OAK Physio & Wellness by calling 289-725-0241