Information Given by Therapist and Patient Can Be of Equal Importance
Just as every person is different, so is every injury. Every person recovers at different paces and responds uniquely to specific treatments. When dealing with an injury that requires physical therapy, it is vital to consider the patient’s well-being in several aspects of life. That is where holistic physiotherapy steps in.
Holistic physiotherapy is a practice of physiotherapy that considers the patient’s lifestyle, daily habits, physical condition, and wellbeing in all critical aspects of their life. As of 2022, it is now commonly accepted by most medical practitioners that pain can be caused and exacerbated by physical, psychological, and social factors. Stress can cause ailments such as stomach ulcers and headaches, but it can also contribute to musculoskeletal pain.
Many factors can play a role in recovery, including - but not limited to: Sleep, Diet, Work-Life Balance, Mental & Emotional Stress, etc. Any good physiotherapist will assess the patient’s body and talk with the patient to identify possible contributing factors. For example, many neck and back pain problems stem from repetitive tasks on the job, but stress and insecurity can also contribute to or even cause the pain. This is why the information given by the patient can be just as important as information provided by the practitioner. A recovery plan cannot accurately help a patient if it doesn’t consider their daily lives.
Information given by a physiotherapist should be correct and realistic; however, sometimes, the language used can be daunting and influential on the patient's recovery. Many terms such as ‘twisted pelvises’ can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, further contributing to the patient’s ailment and inhibiting recovery. A good physiotherapist should take the time to educate and advise patients by explaining their findings clearly in common terminology. Sometimes a physiotherapist might forget to address specific components, so it is also essential that the patient feels comfortable asking questions and discussing any concerns.
The Relationship Between Lifestyle and Musculoskeletal Pain
For more information about holistic physiotherapy and how your lifestyle could be causing you pain, go to Central-Health.com:
“One example that springs to mind is a supermarket checkout attendant who came to see us complaining of one-sided back and shoulder pain. On questioning, it transpired that she had recently been confined to the same checkout, always scanning the shopping in the same direction. After discussion with her line manager, she was able to change checkouts during a working day and watch the shopping in the other direction. Lo and behold her pain disappeared!
A patient we once saw was a computer programmer who complained of right arm pain and numbness. His pain appeared to be due to repetitive use of mouse and keyboard. However, treatment aimed at his neck and arm, together with ergonomic advice, wasn’t doing the trick.
On further discussion, the patient mentioned that at around the time of the start of his symptoms he had begun working with an updated version of a programming language. He felt he had not had adequate training and, after some persuasion, he spoke to his bosses who sent him on a training course. Very quickly his symptoms diminished as his knowledge and confidence increased.”
From The Powerful Truth About Holistic Physiotherapy - Central Health
Photo Source: WIX
Have you ever tried physiotherapy? Did the practitioner use any holistic techniques?
Written by Yellow Brick Road Token
March 15th, 2022