Seeing a Physiotherapist – What they do and how to find the best one
Seeing a new doctor can be scary.
This is especially true if you have no idea what to expect.
Sometimes the stress of seeing a new doctor or therapist can come in finding the right one to help you.
Finding and seeing a physio West Leederville can be the best decision of your life, though.
This is especially true if you are experiencing severe, long-lasting pain, or you have been injured.
Read on to learn how to find the best physio Leederville, why you may need to schedule an appointment with one, and what to expect when you visit their office.
What does a physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist is a part of the healthcare team who works with you to improve the way your body physically moves.
They are trained to help people reduce or get rid of pain, stiffness, and discomfort to improve movement.
A lot of their patients come to them to restore function they have lost after they have been injured, due to disability, or due to illness.
Physiotherapist threat issues like:
- Back pain
- Incontinence
- Spinal injuries
- ACL tears
- Joint disorders
- Concussions
- Sports injuries
- COPD
- Cerebral palsy
- MS
- Cystic fibrosis
- And other musculoskeletal disorders
They utilize techniques like massage, manual manipulation, diet, exercises, and other therapeutic techniques.
Finding the best one for you
In most cases, people are referred to a physio West Leederville by their healthcare provider following surgery or injuries.
If you do not get a referral, do your research to find the best physio for your needs.
Ask family, friends, and neighbours who they could recommend.
Search online for physiotherapists who specialises in your issue.
Ensure they have the proper training, experience, certificates, and licenses to treat you.
Look at the testimonials of other patients.
Schedule a consultation or initial appointment with a few physiotherapists to ask questions, and determine if they are a good fit for you.
Talk to them about the issues you are facing, what you see as a great end result of their help, and any relevant information you can give.
See if your insurance will cover the cost of their care and how much you will need to pay out of pocket.
No matter what physiotherapist you choose, make sure that you can get along with them, afford their care, and feel that they will be able to help you.
What to expect at the physio’s office
When you go to see a physio Leederville, your first appointment should be about 45 to 60 minutes long.
This first appointment will be all about continuing to get to know your physiotherapist, assessing your condition, and making a plan of action for your treatment.
It is wise to dress comfortably in shorts or non-constraining clothing that makes it easy to move.
Some paperwork and information you may want to bring with you include:
- Your insurance card
- Your GP’s name and address
- Your phone number, full name, and address
- Any questions you may have
- A list of current medications and diagnoses
- And any X-rays, ultrasounds, other images, or records pertaining to the reason you are there
You will usually be instructed what you will need to bring or should expect when you set up the appointment.
After the physiotherapist has called you back into their office, you may be asked to complete some physical tests and answer questions regarding your pain and ability to move.
These test may leave you sore or cause pain to flare up, but they are an important step in assessing your issues and finding a treatment plan.
At the end of this appointment or the beginning of the next one, your physio will sit with you to go over a plan for your treatment and get a verbal or written agreement to treat you.
Once your plan is in place you are well on your way to improvement of pain, mobility and functionality, making your daily life much better over time.
