You’ve probably heard lots about physiotherapy over the years. Maybe you’ve even tried it for yourself, possibly for an acute injury or to address something more long-term. In any case, physiotherapy is known to have many benefits for our flexibility, pain levels, strength, and general well-being. But how do you know when you’d benefit the most from physiotherapy, rather than another form of treatment?

In this guide, I’ll go over the top five medical signs to book an assessment with a physiotherapist, and why you may need to sit down and get an expert opinion on your issue and how treatment can help. Let’s take a look. 

Menopause Changes

With menopause comes many changes in the human body, and no two women have the exact same experience. Thankfully, physiotherapy has the power to address many of the physical symptoms of menopause at the source, leading to long-lasting relief. 

Targeted physiotherapy is commonly used to treat muscle aches and pains that accompany menopause. It can also be used to strengthen the muscles around your joints, to maintain functional strength and mobility and to decrease the muscle mass loss associated after menopause. 

Urinary Incontinence (Stress Urinary Incontinence or Urge Incontinence)

Leakage of urine can be a result of weakened or hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor muscles. Atrophy (loss of muscle mass) of the pelvic floor muscles can also be associated with menopause, making closure of the urethra more difficult—resulting in urine leakage. Whatever the initial source of the pelvic floor dysfunction is, physiotherapy can help restore the appropriate tone of these important muscles to help rehabilitate it. 

SUI in particular is one of several medical issues I’m passionate about treating as a physiotherapist! If you’d like to find out more, you can read further in my blog post: What is Incontinence? And Why You Should Really Know.

General, Chronic Pain

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing muscle pain that simply doesn’t get better with time, physiotherapy is likely one of your best options for meaningful treatment. Physiotherapy is especially useful for chronic pain in muscles and joints, including your neck, back, shoulders, and hips. 

Through strengthening exercises, mobility routines, and other specialized treatments, you’ll heal and rehabilitate these tissues and reduce your pain over time. 

Struggles with Posture

If you struggle to maintain a healthy, upright posture and are experiencing the effects that come with it (particularly sore neck, back, or hips), physiotherapy can help. With time and a customized treatment plan, your physiotherapist will help you build the strength and endurance to consistently hold a healthy posture.

Trouble with Flexibility

If you have long-standing struggles with flexibility and mobility, physiotherapy could be the answer you’re looking for. Using a custom treatment program consisting of stretching, strengthening, and fascial release work, your physiotherapist can help you expand your range of motion and reduce any pain or discomfort you might feel. Teaching you the specifics of stretching in terms of the duration of hold, frequency and the best current evidence based research on fascia and techniques to implement may make all the difference to get you the results you are looking for. 

When to Book an Initial Assessment at ProActive Pilates

As you can see, there are a number of symptoms and concerns that might warrant a conversation with an experienced physiotherapist. But what should you expect from your first consultation? 

At ProActive Pilates, I take a lot of pride in my completely tailored approach to consultations and treatment planning. Every client relationship begins with a conversation. We sit down and discuss your current situation—the problems you’re facing, your day-to-day troubles—and then we move onto your needs, lifestyle, and of course, your goals. 

From here, I’ll be able to determine a course of treatment that makes sense for your specific scenario. A cookie-cutter approach simply won’t do, so each and every treatment plan is unique. 

If you’re looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, trusted physiotherapist in Port Coquitlam, ProActive Pilates is here to help. No matter the physical concern that brings you in, I’ll always take the time to get to know you and your body before developing a roadmap to recovery and wellness for us to follow together. 

If you’re still curious about physiotherapy and which concerns it can help address, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. And if you feel ready for that initial assessment, here’s where you can book that appointment and get started.