Physical therapy–For others, the words ring out as something a masseuse would conduct. Many people do not know or understand what physical therapy is unless they are in the field of sports. If you’re an athlete who has experienced or undergone back or neck pain treatment in Singapore, you are already somewhat familiar with physical therapy.

Defining & Understanding Physical Therapy

In a stricter sense, physical therapy is a direct form of professional hands-on care. It is not something any ordinary masseuse would perform unless they have a strong background or have undergone training in the field of physical therapy/physiotherapy. Physical therapy seeks to accelerate recovery and provide an effective rehabilitation solution to those with physical ailments or injuries, whether the patient is an athlete or not. Acquiring a physiotherapist in Singapore does not require you to be an injured athlete.

Physical therapy also works for patients who have fracture injuries or suffering from a stroke. It seeks to restore the body back to its normal function by strengthening the muscles associated with injury, including the joints, tissues and ligaments. Stroke victims often suffer from an injury or condition that limits their motor skills and movements depending on the severity of the stroke.

Paralysis is another common ailment that stroke patients often experience. Partial or half of their body are rendered useless, making them unable to move and function. It is these patients that a physiotherapist often helps at best to restore their body’s function, aside from patients that seek shoulder tear or cardiac rehabilitation in Singapore. Of course, physical therapists and doctors aren’t exclusive to patients suffering from stroke, victims of accidents, such as falling or tripping, or those who suffered from bone dislocations, tissue injury, sprains and strain, etc.

Being an athlete requires knowing how to take care of your body. Knowing how to take care of your health is a critical aspect. Physical therapy is all about the restoration of our body’s ability to function on a normal basis. Hence, understanding injuries and conditions and how to treat and avoid them is a gateway to experiencing a healthier lifestyle. After all, it’s more than just visiting a physiotherapist for an injury diagnosis.

Common Misconceptions In Physical Therapy

Today, the field of physical therapy continues to advance throughout the years. More efficient methods and newer apparatus are being used in clinics and facilities. Specialists’ training continues to set its standard above and beyond in implementing exercises and physical rehabilitation. Because in the end, restoring our body’s performance to an optimal condition while minimising associated risks is the mission to improve the human experience.

A simple visit to a physio clinic in Singapore can make all the difference in what you feel before and days after. Nonetheless, there are a few misconceptions that float in physical therapy.

Misconception No. 1 – Physical therapy is all about pain and injury-related issues.

It is untrue that physical therapy only revolves solely around pain and injury-related conditions. In the field, the pain only serves as one of the many most common indications or symptoms that the body is experiencing that may warrant proper physical therapy. Almost every physiotherapy is to determine the cause of impediments in motor and body performance to address the problem and offer a treatment solution.

Misconception No. 2 – A referral is needed to see a local physiotherapist.

Many non-athletic individuals often mistake that a referral is needed to visit a physio clinic or see a physiotherapist. The truth is that physiotherapists are autonomous healthcare specialists and professionals where you can make an appointment if you need a proper check-up/diagnosis without any referrals from other physicians.

Misconception No. 3 – You can do physical therapy on your own.

While it’s doable for almost everyone to exercise their own way, it is often not recommended to perform it without professional guidance—especially if you are prone to do it the right way. The role of a physiotherapist is to provide a recommended or prescribed exercise that will work best and teach them the right way while preventing possible injuries.

Physical therapy can also tailor a personalised exercise/workout programme that suits your current condition and help you achieve your goals.

Misconception No. 4 – Physical therapy is not ideal if you don’t have the time.

Physical therapy does require you to have time to give attention to the given exercise programme by your physiotherapist. However, it is not out of reach if you have busy schedules and are running out of budget. Every physical therapy exercise programme or rehabilitation is made to be flexible with your schedule in mind without having you commit to untold hours of physical training. Taking and investing a short amount of time will save you from spending money on expensive surgery and medications.

Misconception No. 5 – Surgery is more effective than physical therapy.

Many have false notions that surgery is far superior to physical therapy. While there might be an ounce and truth to it, especially if the condition is not in the field of physical therapy, the benefits of opting for a physiotherapy programme make it better than having to look for surgery. A simple search for a ‘physiotherapy clinic near me’ on Google will do wonders to have you pointed out to a movement expert should you spot something wrong with your body.

For specific conditions, understand that physical therapy can be as effective and efficient as surgery. If insurance is one thing you’re also concerned about, know that most health insurance policies cover physiotherapy.

If you are looking for a stretch therapy in Singapore, visit Edge Healthcare for reputable and experienced physical therapists.