Seeking help from a qualified physiotherapist may improve many ailments and concerns. Physiotherapy has the potential to make a significant difference in your quality of life. However, sometimes, the physio you see might not match what you need or expect.
When it comes to your health, it is important to know when you put your trust in a professional, it is well-placed. Not only do you want the best chance of improving your concerns, but you also want to avoid spending time and money with no positive outcome.
So, how do you know if your physiotherapist is the right fit for you and your needs? Find out what to look out for and how our physiotherapists in West Ryde can help.
What is a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is a highly qualified healthcare professional who supports people with their physical comfort, functionality, and mobility in all stages of life. They use a broad array of holistic, evidence-based methods and techniques to identify the issue, develop a personalised treatment plan, and provide treatment.
Physios can be found in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and sporting facilities. They can treat all sorts of physical issues, such as chronic pain conditions, migraines, sporting injuries, post-surgical issues, poor posture, and back pain.
Five Indicators of a Bad Physio
Most physiotherapists are great! These are dedicated and passionate professionals who have undertaken comprehensive tertiary education to offer much-needed services. They want to help their patients as much as possible.
But like any service, you may come across someone who does not meet expectations, and it is important to your outcomes that you recognise this and act.
Here are some signs that may show your physiotherapist is not as good as you need:
1. You Don’t Feel Listened To
A significant factor in physiotherapy treatment is the two-way communication between the physio and the patient. Your physio must know the background and symptoms of your issue and how your body is responding to treatment to be able to personalise and modify treatment to suit your requirements.
Some factors that show your physio is taking on board what they should include:
- Initial consultation is thorough and includes relevant medical history, background and description of symptoms, and a physical assessment.
- Regular discussions regarding symptoms during, after, and between sessions.
- Treatment modifications are made based on your feedback.
2. A Lack of Progress
Not all conditions and injuries will respond positively to physiotherapy but if you’re not noticing any progress, it is worth exploring why before you decide it just isn’t working.
It may be useful to investigate the following factors:
- Does your physio have experience treating your issue?
- Do you require further testing to get a better understanding of the issue?
- Would a different type of healthcare intervention be more suitable instead of or alongside physiotherapy?
3. Sessions Remain The Same
Physiotherapy is a holistic form of treatment that is designed to be adapted to suit you and your needs. This means there is no one-size-fits-all treatment method. It also means that your treatment plan should evolve and change as you do with each session.
Always carrying out the same techniques or exercises every session is often not helpful in the long term for most people, and it may even worsen the problem.
4. Inadequate Equipment And Resources
It is important to have a physio who is qualified and experienced, but the facilities they use are also fundamental. This does not mean they need to offer every mod con on the market but they should have up-to-date, relevant resources that broaden the depth of the services they offer.
For example, at NDPSC in West Ryde, we utilise equipment such as:
- Gait analysis technology.
- Ultrasounds.
- Shockwave therapy machines.
- TENS machines.
- Dry needling.
- Acupuncture.
- Custom orthotics technology.
5. No Evidence of Further Education
Healthcare is a dynamic and ever-changing field. Subsequently, healthcare providers should always be improving and increasing their knowledge, skills, and experience.
If you can’t see signs of professional development or your physio’s methods seem outdated or unskilled, enquire about their qualifications and what they do to better their abilities as a physiotherapist.
Find a Great Physio at NDPSC West Ryde!
Receiving care from a healthcare professional is personal and significant. You deserve to be looked after well by someone appropriately qualified, experienced, and dedicated. You should also feel comfortable with the person who is providing you treatment.
If you are looking for a physio, please contact our friendly team to organise an initial consultation. We look forward to helping and supporting you towards a better quality of life!
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