Physiotherapy is an active-based treatment method aiming to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent various physical conditions. Using a variety of techniques, physical therapy is used to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury in the future. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and promote recovery. Anyone can benefit from physiotherapy – from the professional athlete coming off a sports injury to a senior citizen hoping to stay active safely and reduce the risk of falls in their home. However, sometimes there are barriers to receiving care in a clinical setting – perhaps you have limited transportation or would feel more comfortable in your home. Prairie Trail Physiotherapy is proud to offer in-home physiotherapy in Winnipeg. In this post, we will answer your questions about in-home physiotherapy – the benefits, what you can expect during your sessions, and how it can improve your mobility and comfort.
Why choose in-home physiotherapy?
The main benefit of in-home physiotherapy is its convenience. Receiving care in the comfort of your home eliminates the need for transportation, which is especially important if you don’t drive or a lack of mobility prevents you from driving (such as recovering from an injury or illness). Even if you drive, in-home care will save you from navigating through traffic, parking, and inclement weather, saving you time and energy. Some people prefer to receive treatment in their own homes. Being in a familiar environment can reduce stress and anxiety, making your physical therapy session more comfortable. At-home sessions are one-on-one, so you will receive the full attention of your physiotherapist. If you are uncomfortable or self-conscious performing exercises in front of others, in-home physical therapy is a great option to ensure your privacy and comfort.
Do I need my own equipment for in-home physio?
Nope! Your physiotherapist will bring all the necessary equipment and supplies you’ll need, along with your home-based exercise program.
What can I expect at my first session?
For your first appointment, your physiotherapist will come to your home to fully assess your condition and educate you on the findings. For example, if you are seeing a physiotherapist due to back pain, your therapist will look to identify the cause and possible sources of discomfort. Your therapist will ask you questions about your medical history and inquire about any challenges you may be experiencing due to your condition. You will receive a physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and capability. Once your assessment has been finished, your physical therapist will devise an individualized exercise program to treat the area or condition.
How long are the sessions?
Depending on your injury or illness, your sessions will be approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Most clients have one or two weekly sessions, depending on their needs and goals.
I am not athletic at all. Can I still do in-home physiotherapy?
Yes! Anyone can benefit from physiotherapy, even if you have no fitness background. Our goal at Prairie Trail Physiotherapy is to come up with a treatment plan that is both comfortable and beneficial for the client. We will build an exercise plan suited to your needs and abilities.
What is mobility?
Mobility is defined as the ability to move freely and the ability to move through various planes of motion, such as bending forward or backward and moving side to side. Several factors, such as age, chronic conditions, poor posture, previous injuries, or inactivity, can affect your mobility. It requires a certain amount of coordination and strength. With good mobility, you may be able to walk freely, and you may not need help performing daily activities or your favourite hobbies. Therefore, good mobility is essential to your overall health and quality of life.
How does in-home physiotherapy improve mobility?
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in improving mobility and flexibility. Indeed, one of the main goals of physical therapists is to recover loss of motion and improve mobility for their clients. Your physiotherapist will use several techniques to get you moving efficiently, comfortably, and safely. Some of these techniques include:
Assessment
As we’ve mentioned, at your first appointment, you will receive a full physical assessment of your ability to move. Your therapist is trained to look for tight, injured muscles that need strengthening. You may be given various tests to determine your current range of motion, flexibility level, and any limitations or restrictions you may have so your physiotherapist can create your personalized treatment plan.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching and range of motion exercises are important for improving mobility. These exercises help to lengthen muscles, increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and gradually increase the joint’s range of motion.
Strengthening Exercises
Strength exercises build muscle and increase your balance and stability, which can help improve a joint’s range of motion. Strength training also increases bone density, putting you at a lower risk of certain injuries or osteoporosis. Strength exercises can be performed with weights, resistance bands, or your body weight, and your therapist will ensure proper form and technique.
Manual Therapy
Manual or passive physiotherapy is when your therapist treats you instead of doing the exercise or movement yourself. Some examples of passive therapy your physiotherapist might use in your treatment plan include massage, joint mobilizations, acupuncture, and dry needling.
Why choose Prairie Trail Physiotherapy for in-home physio?
Our team at Prairie Trail Physiotherapy specializes in treating pain from injuries and increasing mobility in our clients. Many of our therapists have been athletes or personal trainers and know what you’re going through because they’ve been there. Our staff is educated and passionate – we take great pride in offering personalized care, listening to our client’s goals and frustrations, and coming up with the best at-home treatment plans to get you moving and living better in the comfort of your home!
Prairie Trail Physiotherapy offers a wide variety of in-home physical therapy services. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our team by phone or email today!