Physiotherapists help you recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility, find the cause of your problem and prevent further injury. Physiotherapists are GP’s most recommended health professionals (Australian Physiotherapy Association) and at Precision Physio, our physio’s in St Marys and Concord are lucky enough to work with thousands of patients in Sydney, every year!
So, with all those people coming through our doors, what are the most common questions?
1. What can I expect on my first session?
In your first session, your Precision Physio will take a detailed history of your injury or concern. Based on what you have described, your physio then will do a thorough assessment of the injured/concerned part as well as other areas of your body that may be contributing to your current condition. With all this information, your physio will diagnose your problem and establish a treatment plan particular to your needs.
2. What caused my pain/injury? What can I do to stop it from happening again?
As your physio establishes a diagnosis, they will also explain what caused your injury based on the assessment performed. When the diagnosis and contributing factors to the condition have been established, a plan not just for recovery from pain will be done, but they will also address the contributing factors to decrease the risk of the injury happening again.
3. How long will it take to get better?
It depends on the extent of the injury and how long it has been present. However, an estimated time can be given, taking into consideration that movement patterns have to be changed and then strength and control regained, it will take time. Consistency with attendance and compliance with home exercise programs, will accelerate the recovery time.
4. What can I do to assist my recovery?
Consistency is the name of the game! With treatment and committing to the exercises prescribed, you can help speed the whole process up. Also, adhering to recommendations given in relation to work and other activities that are contributing factors, will be key.
5. What should I avoid?
That depends on the injury. For example, long gone are the days where bed rest was recommended for a back problem. Continuing with light activities and respecting your pain without being fearful of it is important. Your physio will tell you what things you have to stop, modify and what to incorporate in your daily activities according to your condition/injury.
6. Do I have to stop what I am doing now: training/gym sessions?
Not necessarily. It is more important to modify your training, work and gym sessions than stopping altogether. Although, it depends on the kind of injury you have, your physio will tell you what is appropriate and what is not.
7. Can I contact my physio in between sessions if I have any questions?
Absolutely! If you are concerned about anything discussed or if you have questions in regards to the exercises shown, your Precision Physio will be happy to address those issues in between sessions. If you’re really worried, just drop into either of our physio clinics in St Marys or Concord.
8. Will I just be seeing you all the time?
Mostly yes. However, if for any circumstance this is not possible, another physio will look after you. However, your lead physio will communicate with the other physio to let them know all about you, your injury, your treatment plan and how you are progressing. That way your treatment continues to progress.
9. I am a busy person, how can I integrate the exercises you have given me into everyday life?
At Precision Physio we are all about changing movement patterns for long term outcomes. Therefore, most of the exercises shown to you will be incorporated in activities you do every day.
10. Will you communicate with my GP or other health providers involved in my care?
Yes. Your physio will write reports to let any other health providers involved in your care know of your progress.
If you had a question relating to physiotherapy or more specifically about Precision Physio, we hope we answered it for you! If not, please feel free to give us a call on: 02 8607 4000 or if it’s easier, email us at: [email protected]
This article was written by our awesome and very experienced St Marys based physio, Mari Quispe. If you would like to contact Maria or the Precision Physio t Marys team, please click this link.
