There are millions of people who suffer from debilitating shoulder conditions – but many individuals question just when they should seek the help of a physiotherapist – and what sort of treatments those professionals might offer to alleviate the pain.
- When to Make an Appointment
Firstly, the time to reach out to a physiotherapist is once shoulder pain becomes noticeable – not when it starts to impact your ability to perform tasks. For most people, the first step on the best road to recovery is a visit to their general practitioner, who may then very well recommend a visit to the physiotherapist. However, it’s not always necessary to wait for this sort of guidance. if you think that a physiotherapist can offer relief from the pain that you are suffering then go ahead and schedule an appointment. At the very least they may be able to offer some relief – and can also make recommendations about other specialists that can offer services that can help you to achieve a better quality of life by reducing pain.
A great rule of thumb is to make that appointment as soon as possible. This is especially true when the injury or condition can be caused by repetitive strain. In that case, without treatment and appropriate at-home exercises, the condition will almost certainly get worse.
- Financial Implications
A shoulder injury that is the result of a number of mild to serious conditions, including those caused by repetitive strain is going to impact the costs of treatment the longer it is ignored. A worsening condition that may have been cured by taking into account the advice of a physiotherapist regarding lifestyle changes and behavioral coping mechanisms can quickly escalate to a point where surgery is the only option. A physiotherapist’s advice will also ensure that the condition or one related does not affect the patient in the future.
- What can you Expect?
Your first appointment with a physiotherapist will likely include both a physical examination and a conversation about issues that may have contributed to the condition – and how it is affecting the personal and professional life of the patient. During the initial appointment time will be spent describing the nature of the pain, when it was first noticed, as well as any actions that may have led to the pain. He or she will also ask about general health issues, as well as questions related to lifestyle. They will also ask what you hope to get from the treatment, aside from alleviation of the pain – for instance, increased mobility.
They will also be examining how the condition has limited movement, and whether or not there appears to be structural damage to the shoulder. Additional tests may also be recommended.
- Ongoing Treatment
Follow-up appointments will involve any number of treatment approaches. These will be appropriate to the condition and aimed at reducing pain and increasing mobility as quickly as possible. Physiotherapists such as those at Melbourne Hand Therapy may recommend ice or heat therapy, hands-on therapy, or variants of other types of therapy aimed at increasing mobility and strengthening joints, ligaments, and muscle tissue. Through interaction with the physiotherapist and a focused program the patient will be provided with relief – and a blueprint for enjoying a pain-free life.
If you are experiencing chronic shoulder pain do not hesitate to contact a licensed physiotherapist as soon as possible.