A healthy, strong, and active lifestyle is what everyone strives for. However, it is not always easy to obtain, especially for those suffering from chronic pain. The very thought of going out and exercising with your aches and pains may leave you feeling uncomfortable. However, there is, fortunately, a simpler solution to gaining the active lifestyle you desire. Physiotherapy can help you achieve optimum levels of health and fitness, all while reducing your pain. If you are looking for a healthier, stronger, and more active lifestyle, give our office a call today!
How do I begin?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes work, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier. For example, eating nutritious foods is one of the easiest ways to improve your health (although we know those sweets are hard to kick.)
Physical activity is the hardest aspect to get in the habit of doing, especially if you are being held back by chronic pain. Some people try to mask their symptoms with anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications. While others, unfortunately, give up on the idea of being active altogether. Luckily, there is an alternative option: physiotherapy. It is possible to reclaim your pain-free, healthy lifestyle, and get back to doing the activities you love.
What exactly is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is generally comprised of three important phases: pain relief, strengthening, and functional integration. Some people are apprehensive toward physiotherapy because they believe it will hurt them; however, the opposite is usually true. Physiotherapy is aimed at pain relief and strengthening, and your physiotherapist will make sure that your treatment plan won’t bring you any pain or discomfort. This is achieved through several treatment services, such as ice and heat therapies, stretching, bracing, and ultrasound.
An active lifestyle is also dependent upon movement. Your physiotherapist will cater to your treatment plan around specific movements designed to increase your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility. He or she will assist you with many of these exercises, but will also provide some simple ones that can be done at home.
The end result of physiotherapy is living the life you want, free from painful limitations. That can only happen when you apply the concepts you learn from your treatments to the outside world. Your physiotherapist is as dedicated as you are, and will encourage you to achieve all the goals you set forth in the beginning.
How will physiotherapy help me?
The purpose of physiotherapy remains the same, no matter what you are seeking its services for. Perhaps you are still suffering from the lingering pain of an injury. Perhaps you are recovering from surgery and trying to get your range of motion back. Perhaps your joints simply aren’t what they used to be, and you are looking for relief. Whatever the case may be, physiotherapists are dedicated to relieving your pain and getting you back to your peak level of physical health.
A physiotherapist is a movement specialist, educated in analyzing mobility issues with walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching, and almost every other form of physical activity. Your physiotherapist can pinpoint problem areas and create a customized treatment plan aimed at improving those areas. Through in-office sessions and at-home exercises, patients strengthen their muscles and joints, improve their balance, build endurance, and experience pain relief, all without the unwanted harmful risks of drugs or surgery.
What should I expect?
Everyone has different needs based on the conditions of their bodies. There is no cookie-cutter approach to health and wellness, as one treatment plan may not work the same for one person as it would for another. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to evaluate your mobility, balance, range of motion, and severity of pain. Your physical goals will also be taken into account when creating your treatment plan, as well as any health risks that may be holding you back.
At your initial evaluation, you may be asked to perform basic movements. Like sitting down, standing up, walking, lifting, stretching, or other motions. Once your physiotherapist has a clear picture of what you need. He or she will begin constructing a treatment plan to help relieve your pain and achieve your goals.
In the end, an active lifestyle is more than possible, even if you struggle with chronic pain. If you are looking to improve your health, strength, and physical activity, look no further – we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our physiotherapists today at Ottawa Health Group and get started on your journey toward better health and wellness!
Tags: health & fitness, physiotherapy, physiotherapist, Aches & pains, chronic pain
