How to Cure Sport or Work Injury with Physiotherapy?

Injuries related to sport and work are, sadly, common. During a single year, more than 17,600 Canadians were hospitalized with sports-related injuries, the majority of which were due to cycling incidents.

And workplace injuries accounted for more than 251,600 lost-time claims in 2017 (a substantial increase on the previous two years).

Injuries can stop you going to work, caring for your loved ones, socializing, and taking part in the sports that mean so much to you (and your health). If left untreated, these injuries can lead to ongoing physical issues and complications that cause further disruption.

That’s why it’s so important to treat them and get back on track as quickly as you can. Physiotherapy is a popular treatment for sports and work injuries, but how does it work, and why is it so effective?

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy (also known as physical therapy) is a form of treatment focusing on various physical injuries and conditions.

Physiotherapists can help with issues related to the entire body and its functions, from the bones and soft tissue to circulation. They can play a part in enhancing your physical activity, treating injuries, and helping to prevent others in the future.

Some injuries may be easier to treat than others. For example, if you sprain your ankle severely while playing basketball, a physiotherapist will be able to aid with swelling and tenderness.

Or if you fall off your bike while cycling on concrete, a physiotherapist will focus on helping you recover and avoiding subsequent injuries.

Other injuries demanding a physiotherapist’s attention might develop over time. For example, people who work in environments where heavy lifting is required frequently (warehouses, factories, etc.) may experience extreme discomfort with sprains or pulled muscles.

You could be referred to a physiotherapist by a doctor in some cases, though that’s not necessary most of the time.

How will my physiotherapist assess my injury?

A qualified physiotherapist will take the time to assess your injuries and identify the proper treatment to cultivate your recovery. This is essential to make sure every minute they spend with you is valuable and helps you get where you need to be.

They will start by analyzing your history and your current condition carefully. A good physiotherapist has to understand how you became injured, how it affects you physically and mentally, and anything else they feel is relevant.

You should feel comfortable speaking with your physiotherapist and providing them with the information they need. The more they know, the better they can identify the right treatment for your unique situation.

Next, your physiotherapist will perform a number of physical examinations to assess your flexibility and range of motion, though the extent of movement you’re capable of could be extremely limited depending on the specifics of your injury.

Your physiotherapist will take their findings and build a custom treatment plan to help you recover in the safest, most efficient, and most comfortable way.

How will my physiotherapist treat my injury?

Your physiotherapist will treat your injury in the way they consider the most effective, based on their training and their professional & personal experience. Physiotherapists can treat injuries, relieve pain, and encourage recovery in a variety of ways.

These include:

• massages focusing on one or more areas of the body

• stretching exercises to help improve flexibility

• personalized exercise programs to suit your physical capabilities and goals

• manipulation and mobilization of joints

• supportive taping to ease or prevent injuries, relieve pain, and aid function

• acupuncture to assist muscle function and relieve pain

• a change in your environment and potential removal of any barriers that might inhibit your function or disrupt your recovery

• applying support braces

• applying protective devices or equipment as required

Other treatments can be performed when necessary and appropriate. Our registered physiotherapists will discuss any treatments they consider to be in your best interests and ensure you feel comfortable with the work involved.

This will bring you the peace of mind you need to trust your physiotherapist and follow any guidance they offer related to pain medication, independent exercises, and more.

Your Astra Medi Spa physiotherapist treatments will be tailored to your work or sports injury, recovery goals, and other crucial factors. They will be performed in a welcoming, comfortable environment in which staff adhere to all Covid-19 regulations to maintain personal safety.

What physiotherapy treatments are available at Astra Medi Spa?

At Astra Medi Spa, we’re proud to embrace both traditional and cutting-edge techniques in our physiotherapy treatments.

These include:

Shockwave therapy

During this innovative treatment, a specialist device is used to apply acoustic energy to the injury area(s) of your body. These are mechanical, not electrical, and aim to boost blood flow.

Shockwave therapy can alleviate pain immediately and encourage better circulation, helping to accelerate the healing process.

Cupping therapy

This has become an increasingly popular physical therapy technique. Your physiotherapist will apply suction cups to injured areas of the body, which lift the targeted tissues. This process creates space within those tissue layers, helping to relieve tightness, stimulate better circulation, and alleviate pain.

We also offer lymphedema therapy, pelvic health therapy, and kego exercise treatments.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need to treat my injuries?

The number of treatment sessions required depends on the type of sports or workplace injury you experience, the severity of its physical impact, the techniques required, your physical condition, and more.

Our physiotherapists will perform a comprehensive assessment of your injury and your history to determine the best treatment for you. They will provide you with a clear plan and arrange your appointments to ensure you understand your road to recovery.

Physiotherapy can help to cure your sport or work injury over time, through one or more techniques. Astra Medi Spa’s registered physiotherapists offer a number of treatments to suit different injuries occurring in any workplace, on any playing field.

To book your physiotherapy assessment and treatment, or to ask any questions you might have, contact Astra Medi Spa now!