Physiotherapy Frequently Asked Questions

You've decided that now is the perfect time to try out a new activity or get back into your favorite sports. Spring has arrived and the weather has been perfect for hitting the running trails or biking in the park. You're enjoying being active and moving, but next thing you know - you've injured yourself! Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. A sprained ankle, a sore or pulled muscle - we know the feeling. But what do you do 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. Physiotherapists can address problems like sports injuries, neck and lower back pain, post-surgery rehabilitation, and post natal incontinence, for example. 

2. What is involved? 

A physiotherapy session lasts for 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 1-3 times per week, depending on your condition.

4. What kind of treatments are there?

There are a variety of physiotherapy treatments. Every physiotherapist's approach is slightly different to one another. The physiotherapist will chose one or more of the treatments below to help you with your injury:

• Manual therapy - soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization to help increase flexibility and decrease pain

• Electrotherapy - electrical modalities are used to help reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and facilitate muscle contraction. These techniques include ultrasound therapy, shortwave therapy, and electrical stimulation

• Exercises - personalized exercises to help increase strength and flexibility 

• Mechanical traction - decrease pressure in the spine to relieve symptoms

• Taping - to reduce pain and swelling and increase stability

• Dry needling - a form of western acupuncture to help reduce pain and improve function

• Education - information on your injury to help you recover and future management of your injury

5. Can physiotherapists prescribe medication? 

No, physiotherapists cannot prescribe medication.

6. What do I need to bring?

X-Ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and report if not done at BJU. Please come in loose clothing. Bring a pair of shorts if your problem is below the waste, or bring a sleeveless shirt if your pain 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 other medical illnesses, such as a metal implant, cancer, osteoporosis, or high blood pressure.

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 if you see a physiotherapist for your pain earlier, the faster the pain will go away!  

9. Is physiotherapy painful?

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

10. Do I need a referral?

That depends on your insurance. Certain insurance policy requires a doctor's referral for them to cover your physiotherapy bill. You can see our Family Medicine doctor to get a referral for physiotherapy. If you are a self paying customer, then you don’t need a referral. Please call BJU at 4008-919191 to enquire about pricing. 

The Center for Family Medicine

• Location: Building 3, First Floor

• Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:00-19:00

• Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 8:00-18:00

To make an appointment, please call: 4008-919191

The Center for Integrative Health Care (BJU) is a unique pioneering concept that brings together a holistic approach to the care and wellbeing of our patients. Our team of professional healthcare providers is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to people of all ages. Ying Swee Ong is an internationally trained physiotherapist with years of experience in outpatient settings, focusing on sports-injuries and post-operative rehab. To make an appointment with Ying or another member of our Center for Family Medicine, please contact our 24hr service center at 4008-919191.