Why do I need to see a physio if I'm not in pain?

This is the latest blog from the Movement Moguls a collaboration of two physiotherapy clinics; LB Physiotherapy and Movement Matters Physiotherapy. Movement Moguls have one aim: to educate everyone on all things musculoskeletal. 

Why do I need to see a physio if I’m not in pain?

It is a common myth and misconception that you only need to see a Physiotherapist if you are in pain. Let us bust that myth and explain why that is incorrect. 

Why go to see a Physio if you’re not in pain though?

Good question, let us tell you why. Physio services aren’t only for people who are in pain or those with a medical condition. Over the past 10 years, we have seen a transition in the private physiotherapy sector, whereby a number of patients attending are pain free. Some services offered at private physiotherapy practices are targeted around injury prevention, performance, health and wellbeing.

A proactive approach to your health and body is important. Not only does it help to reduce the risk of injury, but it also helps to improve your quality of life through interventions which allow you to move freely and efficiently. Daily habits and lifestyle choices often cause postural changes, which can lead to repetitive stress and strain on the body, this can cause stiffness and may lead to pain. Physiotherapy can be an intervention which can prevent the stiffness by correcting posture prior to the onset of pain. 

An approach based around injury prevention and regular maintenance treatment is often cheaper and has less impact on your life. On average an episode of back pain lasts for 8-12 weeks. Often back pain can be restrictive and can impact work and hobbies for 4- 6 weeks. Time out from work can be costly and time away from hobbies can have huge impacts on your physical and mental health and wellbeing. A prevention approach can help to reduce the risk of all the above and help to save you money in the long run. 

A large percentage of the population are living healthy lifestyles and exercising regularly, with this we have seen a huge increase in participation in amateur sport. The increase in participation has brought with it healthy competition and a desire for people to better themselves at their chosen sport. Physiotherapy services can help these individuals to improve their performance. 

There are a number of services offered at a Physiotherapy clinic which are aimed to benefit patients who aren’t in pain, these include GAIT analysis, Sports Massage, Movement Screenings and Desk Assessments; all these services help patients to lead a proactive approach to injuries and pain.

Sports Massage is a service offered, aimed to help reduce the risk of injury. Sports massages are used when patients are looking to reduce muscular tightness, which can lead to injury along with aiding recovery. They help to improve blood circulation which helps to increase healing and recovery. An increased blood flow increases the oxygen and nutrients provided to muscles that may be damaged after exercise. Sports massages help to reduce muscular tightness from postural habits. Following COVID 19, we have seen a huge number of patients who are working from home, sitting at make shift desks, often sitting for prolonged periods of time, this can lead to muscular fatigue. A sports massage helps to reduce the risk muscular fatigue by removing metabolic waste products from the tissue, helping to aid recovery and reduce postural stress on the muscle tissue. 

GAIT analysis sessions help individuals to take a proactive approach to injury prevention. The way an individual walks can expose them to an increase risk of falls. Running styles can pre-dispose individuals to certain overuse injuries. GAIT analysis sessions are aimed to improve an individual’s walking and running style, helping them to reduce the risk of injury. A wide age range of patients access this service, with us seeing great improvements in balance and safer walking in elderly patients. Fall injuries are the 6th leading cause of death in the 75 and over population (Baker et al., 1985). Improvements in balance, co-ordination and strength through GAIT analysis can help to reduce the risk of falling. 

Movement Screenings are services offered to individuals who are aiming to improve their movement efficiency, helping to improve performance and reduce injury risk. Cook et al., (2014) stated the ability to predict which athlete might become injured is highly relevant. They established this service is of equal importance as the ability to evaluate and treat injuries. 

Desk Assessments are services offered by Physiotherapy practices aiming to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal pain. In the UK Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) are the most commonly reported cause of work-related illness accounting for 35% of all days lost due to work related ill health. A Desk Assessment will evaluate and identify any issues with an individual’s current work station along with pin pointing specific products to reduce the stress and demand on the body, when sat working for long periods. Lower back pain is very common in desk workers and is estimated to account for 35% of all work-related MSD’s. It is estimated 60-80% of the population will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. This is supported in the research with evidence showing that individualised ergonomic interventions may be able to improve work related posture and reduce lower back pain for desk workers (Pillastrini et al., 2010).

The services discussed above are all aimed at individuals who want to live a healthy lifestyle and have a proactive approach to pain and injury, busting the myth that only patients in pain will benefit from accessing private Physiotherapy services. 

Always remember prevention is better than cure. Invest in your health and wellbeing, you won’t regret it.

Stay healthy and keep moving,

Movement Moguls.

References

Cook G., Burton L., Hoogenboom B.J., Voight M. (2014) Functional Movement Screening: The use of fundamental movements as an assessment of function.

Baker S.P., Harvey A.H. (1985) Fall injuries in the elderly.

Pillastrini P., Mugnai R., Bertozzi L., Costi S., Curti S., Guccione A., Mattioli S., Violante S.F. (2010) Effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention on work-related posture and low back pain in video display terminal operators. 

Sinnott P.L., Dally S.K., Trafton J., Goulet J.L., Wagner T.H., (2017) Trends in diagnosis of painful neck and back conditions.