Physiotherapists are movement specialists trained to maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system. They learn to recognize posture habits and biomedical defects of each person’s unique body. Can a physical therapist prescribe medicine?
Physiotherapists are trained to recognize posture distortions and other habits that may predispose you to injuries on and off the pitch.
Many people are not aware that physical therapy is not just about rehabilitating injuries. This specific therapy has long been a safe and effective way to treat and manage pain. Take, for example, lower back pain (LBP). About 80 percent of people will experience LBP at some point in their lives. LBP has been documented as one of the main reasons why people get sick due to illness.
There are many treatments for low back pain such as spine manipulation, manual therapy and exercise – all of which can be dealt with by a physiotherapist. Why not consider this alternative care option? Physiotherapists not only deal with pain. They work to ensure that the patient restores or maintains mobility, range of motion, strength and function, helping to improve the overall quality of life.
On the other hand, opioids play a role in relieving pain, but there are associated risks. Before taking prescription painkillers, the best way would be to check the side effects of all prescribed medications, risk versus rewards, and if the condition is resolved or simply provides temporary relief.
What can physiotherapists do?
- Assess the risk of injury
In the same way that you see your primary care physician for an annual examination, Movement screens can let you know where your weaknesses are and where focusing is the most important thing.
- Find the best type of workout for you
They collect all information from previous surgery, diet, lifestyle, body type, body mechanics and posture to determine what activities would best suit your figure. Everyone has different muscular imbalances, range of motion and alignment problems, but a physiotherapist can detect them and make recommendations accordingly. Are tight hip flexors from sitting all day? Cycling – in a similar sitting position – may not be the best choice for you. Meanwhile, if you have tense muscles from running a few times a week, stretching these muscles with yoga can bring positive results.
- Accelerate health recovery
Many physiotherapists will recommend massage or compression socks, pants or sleeves to help with recovery, in addition to foam rolling and physical work.
- Correction of problems with alignment and posture
Do you feel stiff neck and back or areas of weakness and fatigue? This may be the result of posture distortion, which may result from repetitive movements (think: distance running or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder) or from muscle imbalances that make your alignment unbearable.
However, physical therapists cannot prescribe medication. They do not have such rights. You need to see doctors for medication. A physiotherapist can only recommend over-the-counter medications.
