Busted: 8 Common Myths About Physiotherapy Exercises

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physiotherapy exercises

Physiotherapy exercises stem from the branch of medicine that focuses on treating diseases or injuries with massages, heat therapy, and exercise.Unlike other forms of medicine, this branch does not use drugs or surgery as treatments; unless it is absolutely necessary and there is no way around. While people have a general idea about what physiotherapy services are, many buy into the myths that surround this type of treatment. Here are some of the common myths about physiotherapy as well as facts to set them straight!

Physiotherapy is for sports injuries

Many people have the impression that physiotherapy is only used to treat sports injuries. While physiotherapy exercises are often recommended to sportsmen for pain relief, it is not solely created for them. In fact, most patients are required to undergo some form of physiotherapy or the other when they lose any motor function due to an injury, are recovering from a surgery, or are undergoing prenatal care. Common age-related problems like varicose veins are also sometimes treated with physiotherapy exercises to help ease the pain in the legs.

Physiotherapy only includes walking and stretching

While a chunk of physiotherapy is focused on walking and stretching muscles, these are not the only treatment options under this branch of medicine. Physiotherapists use a variety of massaging techniques, acupuncture, and other forms of therapy such as laser and heat therapy. Your treatment plan will depend on the condition you are suffering from.

Physiotherapy is a waste of time and money

There is a common misconception about the efficacy of physiotherapy when juxtaposed with conventional medicinal options like surgery. However, this is not true. When it comes to certain conditions, physiotherapy can be as effective as surgery, without having to put you at risk for any of the side effects that accompany surgery. Doctors often recommend physiotherapy as an alternative to surgery.

Physiotherapy means going through unnecessary pain

There is a huge difference between necessary pain and unnecessary pain. Certain exercises and routines may seem painful and uncomfortable, however, their effect on the muscles or your condition can help cure the problem altogether. Physiotherapy is not about subjecting a patient to needless pain just to see how bad the condition is. By exercising the bones and muscles in a particular manner that promotes healing and greater function, you can walk away from your condition feeling much better than before.

Physiotherapy is outdated

This myth stems from the fact that physiotherapy is an ancient form of treatment that was even used by Hippocrates in Greece. While its roots may be as old as 2000 years, it certainly is not outdated. Physiotherapy exercises incorporate a range of technology-based treatments as well, such as laser therapy and hydrotherapy. It is important to understand that just because something is old, does not mean it is useless.

If you exercise at the gym, you don’t need physiotherapy

Another common myth that some people seem to believe is that if they exercise regularly or go to the gym, they do not require physiotherapy. Exercises and gym routines are meant for strengthening your muscles and increasing your stamina. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, has medical uses. It can be used for chronic pain management, treating muscular problems, improving posture, and so on. There is a big difference between the two and just because you are accustomed to exercise, does not mean that you should avoid getting physiotherapy if you require it.

Physiotherapy is not covered by insurance

Many health insurance companies cover the cost of physiotherapy. However, in order to know whether your insurance does the same, you should speak to your insurance provider or read the fine print. Some insurance agencies allow customers to add physiotherapy-related riders onto their policies, while others include it within the main parameters of the original policy. This, of course, varies from company-to-company.

You can conduct physiotherapy exercises yourself

At first glance, some physical therapy and massage routines may seem quite simple, but that does not mean that you can carry them out yourself. This is because only a licensed professional can spot the nuances of your body while you are undergoing physiotherapy exercises. And only they can tell you if you are doing something incorrectly. Carrying out any exercise routine incorrectly can worsen your injury and make the pain treatment pointless. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult a Specialist on MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']Physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial in treating many different conditions. Ask your doctor today whether this treatment is an option for you. [/av_promobox]