Everything You Need to Know about Physiotherapy

So, you've injured yourself; it happens to the best of us. What next? Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Physiotherapist YingSwee Ong walks you through it.

1. What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the use of physical means to help you recover from an injury and improve body function. It can address problems like sports injuries, neck and low-back pain, post-surgery rehab, postnatal incontinence, and other issues. 

2. What is involved?

A Physiotherapy session lasts an hour. On your first visit, the physiotherapist will ask you a few questions to understand your problem. The physiotherapist will ask you to do a few movements to find out the source of your pain. After identifying your problem, the physiotherapist will start treatment based on the findings.

3. How often do I need to come for treatment?

You would normally have to return for follow-up treatments one or two times per week, depending on your condition.

4. What kinds of treatment are there?

There is a variety of Physiotherapy treatments available, and each physiotherapist will use their own combination of approaches to help you with your injury. These include:

• Manual therapy: increasing flexibility and decreasing pain through soft-tissue mobilization and joint mobilization;

• Electrotherapy: reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, and facilitating muscle contraction using electrical modalities (this includes ultrasound therapy, shortwave therapy, and electrical stimulation);

• Exercises: increasing strength and flexibility through personalized exercises; 

• Mechanical traction: relieving symptoms by decreasing pressure in the spine;

• Taping: reducing pain and swelling and increasing stability;

• Dry needling: reducing pain and improving function with a form of Western acupuncture;

• Education: managing your injury and preventing future injuries by providing information on your condition.

5. Can a physiotherapist prescribe medication? 

No, physiotherapists cannot prescribe medication.

6. What do I need to bring?

Any past X-rays, MRI scans, and medical reports that were conducted outside of BJU. Please come in loose clothing. Bring a pair of shorts if your issue is below the waist or a sleeveless shirt if your issue is above the waist. 

7. Is there anything I need to be aware of?

Please let your physiotherapist know if you are pregnant or have metal implants, cancer, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, or any other condition. 

8. How long will it take for me to recover?

Everyone responds differently to each treatment. Normally, the recovery time is faster for an acute injury and longer for a chronic injury. This means that the sooner you see a physiotherapist for your pain, the sooner the pain will go away!  

9. Is Physiotherapy painful?

Yes, there will be parts of your treatment that might be uncomfortable or painful. A research study found that aggressive Physiotherapy programs often lead to better outcomes and recoveries. In order to identify your problem during your assessment, the physiotherapist will perform certain tests to reproduce your pain. Some patients may suffer some discomfort after their Physiotherapy treatment. This discomfort will normally subside in 24-48 hours. 

10. Do I need a referral?

That depends on your insurance. Certain insurance policies require a doctor’s referral before they will cover your Physiotherapy bill. If you are a self-paying customer, then you don’t need a referral. 

Ying Swee Ong is a New-Zealand-trained Physiotherapist. She speaks English, Malay, and Mandarin. If you wish to make an appointment with her or any of our other specialists, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

Did we help answer your questions? Did we leave anything out? Do you have any burning (but general) questions about injury management or health? Leave comments below and let us know your thoughts so that we can bring you better articles in the future.

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