Nine Ways You Didn't Realize Physiotherapy Can Help You

By Athlete's Care on April 05, 2023

When most people think of calling one of our Toronto physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics, they have certain specific issues in mind. Those typically include rehab for sports and other injuries, after surgical care, and treatment for repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

But, there are many other ways that physiotherapists can help you live life actively and comfortably.

1. TMJ treatment

The temporomandibular joints are the two joints at either side of your jaw, connecting the lower jaw to the rest of your skull. It's a complex structure that can become painful, dislocated, or otherwise damaged by arthritis and other conditions, or an injury. Physiotherapy can help you improve function, and manage the condition.

2. Vestibular Disorders

The vestibular system is the one that gives you a sense of balance, and allows you to maintain it through information it conveys about your body's position. When there is dysfunction, you become dizzy. Vertigo and dizziness can have varied origins, and the physiotherapist’s role will begin with a thorough assessment to determine the root cause. Treatment may involve specialized exercises, or balance retraining therapy.

3. Bell’s Palsy

This is a mysterious condition which affects both the muscles and nerves of the face. The symptoms include a sudden onset of facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face caused by damage to the 7th cranial nerve. Early treatment by one of our Toronto physiotherapists is crucial to helping minimize the symptoms and may even restore function.

4. Pelvic Health/Incontinence

There are many common issues involving pelvic health, including incontinence. After giving birth, it’s very common to experience small bladder leaks, especially when you cough or sneeze, run or jump (although there are other causes). Physiotherapy can help restore the strength and functionality of pelvic muscles, eliminating the problem in many cases.

5. Headaches

Headaches can have many causes, and there are several varieties. True migraines are quite different from headaches that actually originate with tense neck muscles. A physiotherapist can help determine what type of headache you are experiencing, and develop a pain management plan.

6. Diastasis Recti

While anyone can experience this condition, involving a separation between abdominal muscles, it’s most often found in women who’ve given birth. As a baby grows, and becomes more active in the womb, they can push on the inside of the abdominal wall hard enough to separate the middle of the rectus abdominis muscle. A physiotherapist can teach you how to protect yourself as you heal, and develop a safe and effective exercise plan to regain strength.

7. Cancer-Related Fatigue

The treatment, as well as the disease itself, can cause fatigue. To keep you in the best possible shape, and as an evidence-based way to help you reduce fatigue, your physiotherapist can help you develop an exercise plan that’s tailored for your situation. They’ll work with you to develop a safe exercise regimen that helps you manage stress, along with fatigue and feelings of weakness.

8. Ergonomics

The way you work is important; it affects your body in many ways. Whether you use machines or work at a laptop, there are ways to make sure you are providing your body with the right kind of support. Our trained physiotherapists can offer an ergonomic assessment of your work area that shows you how to stay comfortable and avoid repetitive stress injuries.

9. Prevention

Preventing injuries should be everyone’s priority. Physiotherapists can provide expert advice on how to avoid accidents, prevent slips and falls, and offer physical therapy to restore and improve balance and coordination. For athletes, they can assess playing form, and identify weaknesses due to imbalances and other issues, making sure you are playing at your best and safest.

 

There are many other ways that our Toronto physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other sports medicine specialists can help you heal, and even improve your musculoskeletal conditioning. Call one of our Toronto physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics today for a consultation.