Physical therapy can be a daunting experience for most patients. On one side of the story, a patient is going through unfathomable pain, and on the other hand, there is a physiotherapist who sets your rehab goals.
Unfortunately, pain management through physical therapy is a gradual process, and you may not see immediate results. As a result, most people end up switching physiotherapists often. But we suggest this is not a good idea. In this post, we share three reasons why you shouldn’t change your physio often.
Physical Therapy is a Gradual Process for Pain Management
When patients first get started with physical therapy, they often expect immediate results. The patient needs to realize that your physio does not have a magic wand that can cure all your illness. Instead, physical therapy is a gradual process that takes a lot of time, patience and effort (both from the patient and the physio).
Instead of switching physiotherapists often for quick results, it is best to stick with one physio and let them persistently work towards managing your pain.
Your Physio Knows Your Physical Condition
Let’s accept it.
When your doctor recommends physical therapy, physically, you are not in a very good condition.
You have constant aches and pains that are affecting your quality of life.
So you schedule an appointment with your physio, and when they perform an initial assessment, they find out exactly how your body is doing. After a few sessions, if you switch your physio, note your new physio would not know your physical condition when you first started with the treatment. So instead of switching physio often, it is best to be patient and stick with one physio.
Ideally, you should complete the physical treatment recommended by your doctor with the same physio.
They Know Your Medical History
Apart from knowing your physical condition at the start of the treatment, your physio will also know your medical history. If pain is a persistent concern and you have received physical therapy several times, your old physio would know about it. Moreover, they would also know how your body responds to certain types of treatments.
But when you switch to a new physio, they may not be aware of your medical history and specific response to treatments. And you may have to share all the details all over again.
You Develop a Relationship Overtime
Most people may not realize it, but pain management through physical therapy has an emotional aspect as well. When a patient with intense pain meets a physio and starts off their journey towards a pain-free life, they develop a relationship over time. The patient and the physio share all the micro-steps they take together towards their target and establish a bond. And it is this kind of relationship that plays an integral role in improving the patient's physical state.
But when you change physio often, you miss out on that connection, and your recovery takes longer because the emotional connection is missing from your treatment.
Managing Pain
If you are a patient struggling with pain and physical therapy is a recommended treatment, know that you will have to work along with your physio to get results. You and your physio will have to together and share a journey towards a pain-free life. To find more about our physical therapy and other pain management services, visit our website.