When to see a physiotherapist
Physios aren’t just for athletes or weekend warriors! They’re for regular Joe’s too. And if you’ve got a niggling injury you’ve been ignoring, it’s time to give one a call. Here are my tips on when to see a physio.
About 10 months ago, I noticed a tightness in my right hamstring, making it particularly painful to bend forward and touch my toes with straight legs. At first, I thought I’d just over extended myself, either at yoga or ballet or a BodyAttack class. My initial self-diagnosis was DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
But two weeks after noticing the pain, it still continued. My workouts weren’t being affected, so I decided it couldn’t be that bad. I looked up Doctor Google, assessed myself as having a grade 1 tear, and figured that’s why it was still sore after all these weeks. It just needed time.
Three months came and went, and no improvement. I switched up my fitness routine and altered my stretches. Six months later and the tightness STILL remained. I started to think the soreness was a sign of my body slowly breaking down (uh, ageing) and that I might have to ‘just get used to it’.
Then my sister injured herself while doing yoga, where she tore the muscle off the bone. It’ll be months before she’s back in the gym. Her injury was the catalyst that made me book an appointment. And I wish I’d done it sooner.
My tight hamstring is the symptom of a weak right hip flexor (masked by a strong quad) and an asymmetry of my hip, causing some grief for the muscles that wrap around the pelvis on my right hand side. It’s not uncommon, and sitting for long periods of time (like a desk job) doesn’t help.
I’m now 4 weeks into a rehab program set by my physio, which is made up exercises to strengthen the right hip flexor and get my hips back into alignment. It’ll take a fair few weeks, but I’m assured I will get back to my pain free days.
If you’ve had a niggling injury, don’t let it go for as long as I did. See a physio now!
Here are my five tips on when to pick up the phone and book a physio appointment:
1. When you’ve got a niggle. Don’t do what I did. Please. If it persists for 2 weeks and none of your home-remedies work, get a professional to assess what’s actually wrong.
2. When you set yourself a strenuous fitness goal or challenge. Your physio will be able to tell you how your body will be impacted and provide advice on what you need to do to strengthen muscles/keep injuries at bay/how to train effectively.
3. When you’re getting back into exercise after some time off, such as after giving birth or inactivity due to lack of time. Your physio will conduct a physical assessment after discussing your history, and will be able to provide counsel and advice on how to ease back in.
4. When you’re recovering from surgery, a serious illness or injury. Your doctor will provide a referral specifically for this.
5. If you’re feeling pain, or find your mobility isn’t what it once was. Physios are professionals trained in treating a large variety of conditions and specialize in finding the cause, and working with you to create a management plan.
Yes, seeing a physio can be expensive. But if you have private health cover, you can claim back some of the costs, and if you aren’t covered, let your physio know.
A good physio practice can give you a comprehensive program to do at home so you can space out your appointments and limit the number of in-person sessions you need.
Have you achieved some great results from seeing a physio early? I’d love to hear it. Please post in the comment box below.
Until next time,
Maryanne K
