Physiotherapy consultation
The help of a physiotherapist is an invaluable part of post-surgical and post-traumatic recovery, as well as for painful conditions that make it difficult to perform daily activities. Many people wonder what the first visit to a physiotherapist's office looks like and how to prepare for it?
The goal of individual therapy with a physiotherapist is to restore the patient’s physical fitness. Patients come to a physiotherapist after orthopedic procedures and injuries, after surgical procedures, as well as with musculoskeletal dysfunctions of neurological origin. Physiotherapists also support athletes (both professional and amateur) through preparation for training, education in sports wellness and rehabilitation after injury. With the right therapy, the physiotherapist helps patients eliminate pain and restore mobility. The physiotherapist’s activities include manual therapy along with sports or therapeutic massage and kinesitherapy using various types of general, supportive or stabilizing exercises.
History and functional examination
During a physiotherapy consultation, a history is first taken and a functional examination of the patient is conducted. Through a detailed conversation with the patient, the patient’s ailments and limitations are determined, as well as whether there are symptoms that for the patient may be unrelated to the problem, but for the physiotherapist are important in conducting therapy. Learning about the course of the disease and the treatment used so far is very important. The functional examination is designed to show the physiotherapist the work of the patient’s musculoskeletal organs – the fullness of the range of motion, as well as the blockages and pain limitations of individual joints or muscle parts. This is necessary to determine the therapy plan and its intensity.
Individual therapy
Once a full physiotherapy diagnosis has been made and a therapy plan established, it’s time to get started. For a meeting with a physiotherapist, it is advisable to have a comfortable outfit made of airy and non-restrictive fabrics. While performing the exercises, the physiotherapist watches over their correctness and corrects any irregularities or, if necessary, changes the intensity of the exercises. After the visit, the patient goes home with exercise instruction and recommendations for self-work. However, it is worthwhile to carry out the therapy under the guidance of a specialist, who will evaluate the progress and effects on an ongoing basis and modify the exercises based on them.
