Why physiotherapy isn't just for the injured
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Or maybe you're the person who's avoided the practice altogether after hearing about a 'friend of a friend' who left a session worse off or didn't notice any real benefit. Regardless, two truths seem to be universal: physiotherapy is something you do only after a
major injury , and even then, it's rarely something you look forward to.
In reality, physiotherapy isn't just a fix-it service, it's increasingly being used to stop problems before they start, reshaping when and why people should book that first session.
Beyond recovery: what physio can actually do
Physiotherapy can prevent injuries before they occur.
Physios really only have one goal: to help you move better. It means their remit is surprisingly broad. From stroke recovery and helping patients in intensive care units to breathe more easily, to aiding those with multiple sclerosis to manage
muscle weakness , they can be wizards for those with bigger issues. And increasingly, their expertise is being applied to prevention and everyday function as much as rehabilitation.
But in much the same way a session with a mental health therapist can be all too easily brushed off as something you 'don't really need' (only to find yourself struggling even more a year later), physiotherapists can play a crucial role in preventing bigger problems down the line, too, if you give them a chance.
A proactive approach – for athletes and everyone else
For Neil Fitzhenry from The Physio Lab in Hong Kong, who's worked with dozens of professional footballers, rugby players and gymnasts, being proactive is a no-brainer, but most people don't realise it's even an option.
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