Sydney offers plenty of activities that guarantee to keep the adrenaline going for the thrill-seekers from sunup to sundown. You can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, for instance, or hike the majestic Blue Mountains. Or you can get an unobstructed view of the urban landscape from above using a hang glider. Finally, surf at the world-famous Bondi Beach and scratch it off your bucket list.
Physical activities usually expose you to cramps, sprains, strains, and other injuries. Fortunately, you can soothe your sore body at any Castle Hill physio. They have a full-service facility that specializes in sports injuries. However, even today, some quarters still dismissed physiotherapy as a pseudo-science, despite the expanding market size of the industry. For instance, the global physiotherapy services are expected to hit more than $165 billion by 2023. Below are some of the common myths that hound physiotherapy and the actual truths on the practice.
Myth 1: Physiotherapy is a glorified term for exercise
Fact: Exercise is only one of the modalities in the treatment protocol. Also, there is a distinction between home exercise and targeted and supervised exercise to boost functionality and help treat an injury. Physiotherapists train for several years to make diagnoses and recommend techniques to help an individual. Among the methods used are evidence-based joint manipulation, joint mobilisation, minimal energy techniques, instrument mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, and massage.
Myth 2: It is only limited to sports-related injuries
Fact: The association between physiotherapy and professional sports could not be denied. However, a Castle Hill physio often works with non-injury related conditions, as well. For instance, physiotherapy has proven to be invaluable in chronic diseases like vertigo and dizziness, headaches, arthritis, post-surgery pain, TMJ dysfunction, carpal tunnel, and pediatric conditions. Patients with non-sports injuries can also benefit from physiotherapy. Some of these injuries include tendonitis, sciatica, motor vehicle injuries, rotator cuff injury, golfer’s elbow, sprain and strain, and whiplash.
Myth 3: Physiotherapy only applies post-event
Fact: Another misconception regarding physical therapy is that it only kicks in after a surgery or injury. However, studies have found out that pre-operative rehab will drastically reduce the recovery time for the patient and also improve the operative outcomes. Typically, when you are recommended for surgery, and unless it is an emergency, there is a brief waiting time prior to the scheduled date. You can make better use of this time by going to a physiotherapist to prepare your body. When your muscles and bones are in optimum condition while going under the knife, the trauma is minimized. It is no different from the doctor telling you to rest and eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and take vitamins in preparation for the surgery. You are only taking it a step further in the effort to make your body stronger.
Myth 4: Physiotherapy is expensive
Fact: On average, the session will cost about $88, which admittedly is higher than a physician’s consultation fee. Physiotherapy does come with a cost. But you should not look at it from that perspective, but rather if you are getting the value for your money. Would you think it is expensive if you will no longer deal with nagging arthritis or debilitating injury that limits your movements? Besides, it is significant to note that the sessions are covered by Medicare, which will drastically bring down the cost of treatment.
Physiotherapy, as a profession continues to grow significantly. The industry could not have survived without the fundamental truths behind it. The fact is that millions of people around the world have benefited from the treatment protocols espoused and pursued by physiotherapists with the ultimate aim of helping the patient.
