3 Reasons Why You Might Need to See a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy isn’t a treatment reserved for just football or rugby stars, or even someone just recovering from an injury. In fact, it can be used to treat most common problems.

To help raise awareness of some of the symptoms and conditions that physiotherapy can treat, we’ve asked Paul Marsh our Physiotherapy Manager to explain some reasons why you might need to see a physiotherapist.

1.  You’re in pain at your desk

It is quite common to feel pain when sitting at your desk all day. This could manifest in the form of a backache or headaches.

Regular breaks from the desk, even if it is just to stand and stretch or move your neck, upper back and arms can be really helpful.

Paul says “If you are concerned you should raise this with your employer, and have your work desk/placement assessed. You could also consider booking an assessment with one of our musculoskeletal physiotherapists to assess your symptoms to rule out anything more serious.”

If caught early enough, most common problems respond well to treatment and recovery time is greatly reduced.

2.  You have noticed some weakness/leakage of your bladder and/or bowels

Urinary incontinence (the uncontrolled passing of urine) is very common. It is more common for women than men and although can occur at any age, becomes more likely as you get older.

Paul explains “Bladder/bowel Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles which can be treated with individualised pelvic floor exercises and training.”

Claire Downes, our specialist obstetric, gynaecology, urology and colorectal physiotherapist specialises in pelvic floor exercise programmes and bladder/ bowel training, to treat urinary and bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

3.  You are in pain and/or not moving as easily as you used to

When you suffer an injury you would expect to feel a certain amount of pain which would normally settle as the tissue heals. But sometimes the pain doesn’t settle as expected and becomes chronic.

This is particularly common with lower back and neck pain and can be attributed to many factors.

Also, a common sign of ageing is decreased flexibility. So if you’ve noticed that you don’t feel as flexible or your movement isn’t as easy as it used to be then you may benefit from seeing a physiotherapist.

Paul explains “Our Physiotherapists can work with you to assess the issue and provide a targeted exercise and rehabilitation programme that will ease your suffering and get you back to your best.”

Treatments for pain can include acupuncture, shock wave therapy, pain education, massage, manipulation and exercises to help you support your damage body part better and prevent the injury from happening again.

By seeing a physiotherapist for chronic pain you would benefit from:

• An appointment straight away – No need for a GP referral
• No waiting times
• Direct access to diagnostics including MRI and CT scans if clinically required (charged separately)
• Physiotherapy is usually the first point of treatment for chronic pain
• Our Physiotherapists can refer you to one of our Pain Management Consultant or Spinal Surgeons if clinically required