What is physiotherapy?

A physiotherapist (also referred to as Physical Therapist in some parts of the world) uses their expert knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and movement in order to effectively diagnose, treat, and improve a wide range of physical conditions.

This is done through a variety of strategies that includes a thorough initial examination and assessment, education about your condition, exercise prescription, and working with you in order to develop an effective management plan. This plan is centred around you; your goals, and what you want to achieve in your recovery.

Here at The Biomechanics, our physiotherapists use an evidence-based framework which draws from the most up-to-date literature in order to provide you with treatment and management options that are specific and best suited to you. Just like the rest of the allied health team at The Biomechanics, our physiotherapists operate with a biopsychosocial approach which means that we take into account all relevant biological, psychological and social factors that may be influencing what you are feeling in order to encourage and empower you to take back control of your body and health. We believe that the symptoms you experience are unique to you and the issues you may have in relation to a condition are not the same as the next person with the same diagnosis from an x-ray or medical imaging report.

What can I see a physiotherapist for?

Physiotherapists treat and manage; those in acute or chronic pain, movement or physical impairments that can be related to an injury, trauma, or disorder of either musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological in nature.

COMMON CONDITIONS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS SEE:

• Acute and chronic pain, related to the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, neck, or back.
• Headaches and migraines
• Sport related injuries
• Improving physical performance
• Falls and balance disorders
• Temporomandibular joint or TMJ (Jaw) problems
• Pre and post-operative rehabilitation
• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis management
• Pre and post-natal conditions

What should I expect when seeing a physiotherapist for the first time?

During your initial consultation with a physiotherapist at The Biomechanics, we will complete a thorough assessment where we listen to your story in order to understand and identify all the contributing factors in relation to your presenting problem. We want to hear about your expectations, goals and why you have decided to see a health professional in order to start this process of change.

We will conduct a thorough physical examination by observing your movement and physical capacity, so wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing is ideal. Once we have completed our assessment we will provide a full explanation of the issues identified, along with an evidence-based education of these.

We will collaborate in deciding what your best available treatment options may be, plan your rehabilitation and practice anything that is required to be done. We want to work with you in order to provide you with the knowledge and tools you require in order to manage your problems in a way that best suits you.

You should leave our appointment having felt that all the above was completed to your satisfaction, and with an educated understanding of what the next steps are for you and for your recovery.

If you do not feel listened to, supported, empowered or included during your session then maybe you have not found the right practitioner. You should never leave an allied health appointment feeling worse than when you arrived, and you should leave with a plan that you are happy with and personally feel in control of. Remember, health practitioners are here to help YOU. Read more about your expectations in this blog.

If you would like to book an appointment with our physiotherapist in Footscray please click the link below.

BOOK A PHYSIO APPOINTMENT

If you have any questions or would like to have a chat with one of our team please call our clinic on 1300 920 520.

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