Physios are more than just their hands
Physiotherapy is traditionally known as a very hands-on method of treatment for injuries. Physiotherapists have unparalleled sensitivity in their hands, to be able to find any stiffness in joints or locate any tension or tightness in muscles. Physiotherapy treatment involves muscle release techniques and mobilization techniques to restore movement and relieve symptoms. So what would physiotherapy be without touch?
Physiotherapists do so much more than hands-on treatment. Physiotherapists are analysts and problem solvers. From the very beginning in the initial assessment, the physiotherapist is gathering all the relevant information regarding the symptoms and behavior of the injury to form a diagnosis and associated rehabilitation plan. The key to successful rehabilitation is the restoration for movement and function, and while a lot of the treatment is done on the treatment table, most of the rehabilitation is actually achieved by the individual, through the advice from the physiotherapist on how to manage the symptoms via prescribed exercises. Think of the exercise classes run by physiotherapists in the rehab gym or the Pilates studio – Physiotherapy is so much more than just hands-on treatment.
Physiotherapists give the “full package” of strategies, beyond hands-on treatment, to their patients to enable them to self-manage their symptoms through education and advice on activity modification and the creation of bespoke exercise programs that guide them through each stage of their rehabilitation.
With the use of TeleHealth, physiotherapists guide their patients through the assessment process to gather all the relevant information, as they would in an in-room consult, to come up with a diagnosis and associated treatment plan. At times, further investigations such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be required, or the physiotherapist may deem it necessary for the patient to have hands-on physical assessment. In such instances, referrals can be made to ensure the patient is taking the right course of action.
As for hands-on treatment, it is difficult to perform the hands-on aspect on a virtual platform. However, as mentioned, the key component to successful rehabilitation occurs with the patient’s individual efforts. Physiotherapists, via TeleHealth, will continue to educate and present their patients with a tailored rehabilitation program to empower them to self-manage while continuing to guide them on their journey to recovery.
Written by Joanne Maskrey
