Physiotherapy is a well-known form of therapeutic treatment that helps people recover from or manage pain and physical injuries. While it is becoming increasingly popular, there are still many common misconceptions about Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists are a key part of care in home care and residential aged care environments. Plena’s Physiotherapists come to you and can assist you in ways you may not have considered.

In this article, we’ll explore the four most common misconceptions about physiotherapy and the truth behind them. 

Misconception 1: Physiotherapy is only for athletes

Athletes are not the only ones who can benefit from physiotherapy. You don’t need to be a professional footy player to feel the benefits. In fact, physiotherapy can be beneficial for everyone of all activity levels and help you maintain movement in your later years. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall health, physiotherapy can help.

Misconception 2: You have to be in pain to benefit from physiotherapy

There is a common misconception that you have to be in pain to benefit from physiotherapy. This is simply not true! While pain can be a motivator for seeking out physiotherapy and can assist in helping you feel better, the benefits of physiotherapy extend far beyond pain relief.

Physiotherapy can help improve your overall quality of life, even if you are not currently experiencing pain. If you have recently had an injury or surgery, physiotherapy can help you recover more quickly and prevent further injury even if you’re no longer in pain. Physiotherapy can also help improve your mobility and flexibility, and increase your strength and endurance.

Misconception 3: Physiotherapy is only for physical injuries

Physiotherapy is a form of healthcare that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, both physical and mental. It is not just for treating physical injuries, but can also be used to manage chronic pain, help rehabilitation after surgery, and even treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. For example, if you are experiencing depression from a lack of ability to move, while physiotherapy gets your movement back, the interactions with your Physiotherapist and subsequent ability to more freely move assist with an improvement mindset. 

Misconception 4: You need a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist

This is one of the most common misconceptions about physiotherapy. While your doctor may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist, it is not always necessary. You can often self-refer by simply calling or booking an appointment online, or having a family member help book for you.

How Physiotherapy Can Help You

Physiotherapy can help you in a number of ways, depending on your specific needs. For example, if you have recently suffered an injury, physiotherapy can help you to regain movement and function. If you have a long-term health condition, such as arthritis, physiotherapy can help to relieve pain and improve your overall mobility.

In addition to helping you recover from injuries and manage chronic health conditions, physiotherapy can also help to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. For example, if you are starting a new exercise regime, a Physiotherapist can give you advice on how to warm up and cool down properly to avoid injury.

What Plena Healthcare Can Offer

Our skilled Physiotherapists have a national presence in Australia. They have extensive expertise and are dedicated to providing excellent care to our customers in residential aged care and community settings.

We provide far more than just great care. Utilising solutions that can get the most out of your aged care or home care package, we ensure all your needs are met.

With us, you can expect physiotherapy care plans personalised to ensure independence and mobility, and integration with aged care facility teams for comprehensive assessments and pain management programs so all your healthcare professionals can work together cohesively.

Physiotherapists play an important role in helping people maintain their physical health and manage pain, so it’s important to have accurate information about the practice. With more accurate knowledge on what physiotherapy is and how it can help, we can all benefit from its many benefits.

For more information, you can reach out to our team here or give us a call on 136 033 to have a chat.