A good number of people who have heard about physio may be under the impression that they will not need this form of therapy as long as they are not athletic. But this is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding physical treatment. While it is a primary rehabilitative therapy for people who acquire sports injuries, physio can also be incredibly beneficial to the average person who is suffering from chronic aches and pains. This type of treatment can be utilised to eliminate neck pain, back pain, joint pain and more.
However, physio is not a one size fits all kind of therapy. Instead, your therapist will devise an individualised approach for your particular health problems. Nonetheless, there are primary techniques that will be integrated into your treatment plan. Below is a list of the three conventional methods employed during physio.
Joint mobilisation
As its name states, this physio technique is useful in relieving chronic pain in your joints. Depending on your lifestyle, you could develop aches in your knees and other joints in your body. Additionally, as people age, they become more vulnerable to stiffness, which can result in discomfit in your back, legs, muscles and more. Through joint mobilisation, the therapist strives to enhance your mobility by directly applying force on strategic parts of your body. This pressure can be implemented by hand, or the therapist can elect to utilise mechanical activators.
Neurodynamics
Physio may primarily be associated with relieving muscle pain, but it can also be utilised to treat nerve problems too. Hence, neurodynamics is a technique the therapist employs in an attempt to unblock nerves. When you develop blocked nerves, you find that certain parts of your body will become susceptible to pain. This discomfort is because the blockages are impeding the function of your nervous system. Neurodynamics comprises tissue manipulations that aid with relieving any abnormalities in your tendons, muscles and even fascia. This physio technique can significantly enhance the wellness of people who have arthritis, heart conditions and asthma.
Corrective teaching
Although physio is a hands-on treatment, your therapist will also use education as a technique to help you prevent further injury to your body. For instance, some people may opt to have a physio session merely because they feel out of sorts but cannot pinpoint the problem. When working with these individuals, the therapist will seek to identify what is causing your chronic pain and this could range from unnatural body posture to repetitive motions. Once you are aware of the potential causes of your pain, you can then begin learning how to address these problems and avoid them in the future.
