If you’re dealing with annoying neck pain, a stiff back, or a persistent sports injury that just won’t go away, you might find yourself thinking it’s time to see a physiotherapist. But not knowing what a physiotherapist does is holding you back from booking an appointment. In this blog post, I’ll dive into exactly what our physiotherapists at Seddon Physio do and how they can assist you in getting back to feeling your best.
What does a physiotherapist do?
As the name sounds, a physiotherapist uses a combination of physical therapies, ranging from massage to dry-needling, to reduce pain and enhance and maintain physical function and mobility. Exercise prescription and education will also form a major part of the rehabilitation process.
Physiotherapists are university-educated and possess deep knowledge of human biomechanics and movement. They start with a thorough assessment of a patient’s history, followed by an objective assessment of the body’s movement and function. From this we identify muscle, joint and biomechanical issues, and tailor a treatment plan in line with the presenting condition affecting a person’s quality of life.
A physiotherapist will also be involved in a person’s rehabilitation team, working alongside doctors, occupational therapists, and other health professionals to develop effective, comprehensive treatment plans.
What conditions do physiotherapists help manage?
At Seddon Physio, our physiotherapists work with patients of all ages to overcome injuries, manage chronic issues, and improve their overall quality of life.
Sporting Injuries – Our sports physiotherapists are experienced in managing a wide range of sports-related injuries, from acute sprains and muscle tears to overuse injuries like tendonitis and stress fractures. We provide tailored rehabilitation programs that support recovery, improve technique and strengthen muscles and tendons. Our goal is to help athletes of all levels return to their sport with improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
General aches and pains – Everyday activities, poor posture, and lifestyle choices can often lead to back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. At Seddon Physio, we address these discomforts through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education on improving posture, ergonomics and more to reduce the risk of future pain.
Rehabilitation and recovery – Rehabilitation is a cornerstone of physiotherapy, especially for patients recovering from surgeries such as joint replacements or those dealing with the aftermath of stroke or other neurological conditions. Our physiotherapists develop tailored rehab programs to restore function, strength, and mobility. Through a progressive regimen of targeted exercises and hands-on therapy, we help patients regain independence and return to their daily activities.
Chronic pain management – Chronic pain can be debilitating and affect all aspects of life. We use a holistic approach to managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. Our strategies include pain-relief exercises, manual therapies, and education on at-home pain management techniques to help patients lead a more comfortable and active life.
Chronic Disease Management – Physios are trained to support people with a range of chronic health conditions, whether they struggle with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis, prescribe exercise therapy to improve glucose control in people with or at risk of developing diabetes, or provide therapeutic exercises to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
What can you expect from working with a physiotherapist?
Initial Assessment
Every session at Seddon Physio begins with a comprehensive assessment. We review the patient’s medical history, conduct physical exams, and may use diagnostic tests to determine the underlying causes of symptoms.
Customised management plans
Utilising the insights from our assessments, we design management plans that may include manual therapy, exercise, dry-needling, hydrotherapy or a combination of each.
Progressive Exercises and Hands-on Therapy
Our approach includes a series of exercises tailored to each patient’s specific recovery goals. These exercises are designed to gradually increase in intensity to challenge and strengthen the body safely. Alongside exercise, hands-on therapy such as massage, mobilisation, and manipulation helps to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow.
Ongoing Support and Education
At Seddon Physio, we believe that a significant part of rehabilitation is patient education and at-home therapy. We empower our patients by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to take an active role in their recovery. This includes teaching self-massage techniques, providing ergonomic advice, and offering guidance on lifestyle modifications that can help improve long-term health outcomes.
When to work with a physiotherapist?
If you’re experiencing pain or mobility issues or are recovering from an injury or surgery, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a physiotherapist. Early intervention can prevent further complications and aid in a quicker, more effective recovery. If you have any of the following conditions, a physio can be an integral part of your multi-disciplinary team:
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis
- Stroke and other neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- Cancer, palliative care and lymphoedema
- Musculoskeletal and sports injuries
- Chronic pain
Book an appointment at Seddon Physio
Ready to reduce your pain so you can do more of the things you love?
Whether you are an athlete, dealing with a chronic condition, or simply aiming to improve your overall physical health, we’re here to support you every step of the way.