From time to time, people may experience aches and pains. This may also be felt as stiffness. While most of these are temporary sensations and resolve on their own, others may require attention and treatment by a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is an area of healthcare concerned with the effects of illness, injury, or disability on the musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapy treatment uses manual therapy, exercises, stretches, and other modalities such as needling and ultrasound. Physiotherapy is a holistic approach that takes into account your individual circumstances and lifestyle to create individualized treatment plans for the management of pain and maintenance of overall well-being. Physiotherapy can be used to improve your health in many ways, it is not solely for athletes or those recovering from injuries. A physiotherapist will assess your body or injury and provide guidance on how you can maintain your health. Many people have no idea that they may require treatment by a physiotherapist. Discussed below are five examples of when you may need to see a physiotherapist.

Loss of balance

Loss of balance is not pleasant. It can be frustrating to complete daily tasks when you are off balance, and it may even lead to falls and injury. Loss of balance can sometimes be a result of a problem with your inner ear. The structures in your inner ear help support your balance system. If you have any issue that affects your inner ear, you may feel symptoms such as vertigo and dizziness which can be extremely difficult to live with. A physiotherapy treatment called vestibular rehabilitation can be used in order to overcome some of these symptoms. After a physiotherapist assesses your needs, they will prescribe an exercise program which focuses on your eyes, neck, and head. These exercises are meant to retrain your central nervous system to help lessen the effects of your inner ear dysfunction. For inner ear issues, vestibular rehabilitation can be used after surgery to help with recovery, or as an alternative to surgery. However, not all loss of balance is related to inner ear issues. In other circumstances, meeting with a physiotherapist may help you identify the underlying issue and create a plan to help resolve the problem. With this plan, you can regain your balance and get back to your daily activities.

You are in constant pain

A certain amount of pain is to be expected after suffering an injury. This pain may subside with time as the tissue heals. With an ankle sprain for example; you may expect it to hurt for a 7-10 days, but as the ligaments around the ankle heal, the pain should reduce until it is no longer noticeable. In certain instances, the pain does not go away and can become chronic. In the ankle example, it could be becasue the ankle healed with limited range or motion or is now lacking some strength. Persistent pain is a sign that you need to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists can help you identify the problem and provide a specific rehabilitation program that will help relieve your pain and increase strength. To help with recovery from an injury and prevent recurrence, treatments may include exercise, pain education, manipulation, and soft tissue release.

A Change in mobility

Typically mobility is important for freedom. of movement Mobility problems can include feelings of stiffness or pain that may hinder specific motions. Some examples of reduced mobility can be commonly seen when you try to touch your toes, do a shoulder check while driving, or extend your arms over your head. If you realize that you have reduced range of motion in an area of your body or pain begins at a particular point of movement, something more complicated may be occuring in the body. This could be due to an injury or trauma, and may require help from a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists can evaluate the issue and provide exercises that will target specific tissues and muscles. These exercises will relax the tight tissues and strengthen supporting muscles, in order to gradually increase your mobility and flexibility.

Uncontrolled urination

Urinary incontinence is actually more common than one may believe. This is often an indication that there could be an issue inside your body. There are two different types of urinary incontinence, urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is when you have an intense urge to pass urine and urine leaks afterward. Stress incontinence, on the other hand, occurs when your bladder is under pressure. This becomes more common after pregnancy or as you get older, and it is more common in women than men. A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can help you to treat this issue so you do not have to live with it forever. To improve the condition of stress incontinence, a Pelvic Health physiotherapist may recommend pelvic floor exercises. These exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor, which allows more control within the region.

You get pain at your desk

It is common to feel pain by the end of the day when you sit at a desk all day. This pain may somtiems appear in the form of backache or headache. The body needs movement, and remaining in a fixed position for too long can cause your joints and muscles to strain, which can lead to pain. It is considered helpful to take regular breaks. A break can simply involve standing, stretching, or even moving your arms, neck, and upper back. Also, ensure that while at your desk, you are sitting with proper posture. A physiotherapist can provide you with a guide on how to maintain better posture and ergonomics at work. Something as simple as moving your keyboard or screen can make a big difference!

Conclusion

In most cases, pain is the first sign that you may benefit from a physiotherapist's care. The cause of the pain may differ, but no matter the cause — a physiotherapist can be of great help. If you feel recurrent pain, it is advisable for you to see a physiotherapist. A thorough assessment by a physiotherapist will guide you to the next steps in recovery. Some injuries or pains may be permanently addressed by a couple simple exercises. Pay attention to your body, if you are not feeling right or even have any unusual aches and pains, it is very beneficial to book an appointment with a physiotherapist and have it assessed.