The number one thing we hear at initial consultations and first-time assessments, as physiotherapists, is how long the patient has had the pain or been trying to manage the pain. It often sounds like an apology for calling – as if they are weak for not being able to handle the pain without a physiotherapist. Often times we recognise that a body, injury or trauma is in bad shape for being ignored so long! It seems that most people do not know when to call a physiotherapist for some professional help and advice. Here are five signs you need physiotherapy.
A Nagging Pain (That Isn’t Getting Better)
Everybody suffers bodily pain at one point or another, but you should always consider cause and effect. If you slept funny and suffered neck pain, it should disappear within a few days of keeping it warm and taking anti-inflammatory tablets. If you had a particularly hard day at the gym, you will feel sore afterwards. But if your pain is persistent and not getting any better, that is a sure sign that you need to see a physiotherapist.
A Change in Movement or Mobility
Likewise, mobility and movement are reasonably constant for a person. Sure, with age they change, but not overnight. If you realise that you cannot move as normal or that pain begins past a certain point of movement, it suggests that there is something more complicated going on, such as a trauma or injury and you need physiotherapy.
Knowing a Certain Movement Will Cause Pain
It seems common sense, if moving a certain way causes pain, to avoid moving that way. This is something we hear a lot from our patients, ‘it only hurts if I move it that way’. As we said above, changes in movement and mobility signal a problem, and avoiding physiotherapy by adapting to the pain and changing your movements can actually create longer-term problems such as tension and knotted muscles or placing weight and pressure on ligaments which are not meant for it
Loss of Balance
Loss of balance is a huge problem, not just because it can be incredibly disconcerting, but because it can cause further accidents and painful problems. If you notice a loss of balance that is not related to potential ear issues such as infections, you need the assessment of a physiotherapist who can identify the problem and create a plan to fix it.
Changes in Habits Such as Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence affects more people than you might think and has been a common symptom that alerts people to changes or potential problems within their body. Whether it’s stress incontinence, urge incontinence or the aftermath of pregnancy, physiotherapy plays an active role in treating it.
Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask for help and put an end to your suffering! Pain is not something to put up with but something to take note of, so you can take better care of your body and health. Let our physiotherapists make it even easier by bringing all equipment and knowledge to your door! Find out more at physiocomestoyou.co.uk.