There are many other conditions a physiotherapist can treat that you may not have thought about before. Of course physiotherapists are fantastic at helping with your aches and pains but there are many other things they can help with too, below are four conditions you may never have thought about seeing a physio for!
- Vertigo
Many people experience vertigo in their lifetime. It is the dizziness and spinning sensations experienced by patients that drive people crazy! There are specific kinds of vertigo that respond very well to physiotherapy treatment. There is a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo which is caused by small loose crystals in the inner ear. This results in them moving causing dizziness when you turn your head in different directions. Your physiotherapist can give you exercises to help relocate these crystals and regain your balance. There are certain types of vertigo which cannot be ‘treated’ or ‘cured’. In these cases a physiotherapist can help prescribe exercises to help you get used to the sensations you’re experiencing so that it isn’t as disruptive to your everyday life.
- Neurological Conditions
There are many neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple, sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s Disease and other head injuries which a physiotherapist has been trained to treat.
- Pelvic Floor Conditions
There are many stresses on our pelvic floor which can lead to incontinence. These can include pregnancy, childbirth, heavy weightlifting, manual labour jobs, medical conditions and the end result can be very embarrassing for anyone who experiences these complications. Incontinence can significantly impact on your quality of life and cause significant emotional distress. Specially trained physiotherapists can help to assess, diagnose and treat a broad range of pelvic floor issues.
- Balance and Falls Prevention
As we get old it seems that we just accept that we are more likely to fall over or lose balance, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and can lead to significant injuries. Physiotherapists can assess and detect changes in balance and then prescribe exercises to help regain confidence and decrease the risk.