FAQ's

GENERAL
Aren't physios just highly paid massagers?
How do I know if I need a physio?
When would you go to a Chiropractor, and when would you go to a physio?
What's the difference between a biokineticist and a physiotherapist?

THERAPIES
What is dry needling therapy?
What does the ultrasound therapy do?
What is Pilates and how is it related to physio?
What part do heat packs and cold packs play?

REHAB
How long will it take me to get better?
Should I join a gym, or can I do rehab at home?
What if I dont do my exercises ?

NECKS AND BACKS
Why is it important to have a strong neck?
Can the way I sleep be affecting my neck and back?
What is a 'slipped disc'?
My doctor said I have 'sciatica', can you fix it?

FEET AND ANKLES
How important are wearing the correct shoes?
Will orthotics help my foot problem?
What happens if I keep playing on a sprained ankle?
The bootom of my foot, just by my heel has been sore for a few months now, should I be worried?

KNEES
I have pain behind my knee cap, what is this?
I have damaged my cartilage, what is this and can physio help?
Just how crucial are the "cruciate" ligaments to the knee?
Which sports are considered knee friendly?
Will a brace or knee guard help/protect my knee completely?
My child has knee pain, what could this be?

ELBOWS
Can I get tennis elbow without having played tennis?
What is the difference between golfers elbow and tennis elbow?

SHOULDERS
Can a physio tell now whether I am at risk for getting a shoulder injury later?

OTHER
Can physiotherapy treat a cough (chest infections) and sinusitis?
Can I have physio for pain after dental procedures?
My child suffers from headaches. What can I do?
What's the big deal about stretching and warming up?

What else can physiotherapy help with?

Can physiotherapy treat a cough (chest infections) and sinusitis?   >>back to top
Absolutely! Physiotherapy uses nebulisers, percussions over the lungs, positioning and breathing exercises to help loosen that stubborn, thick phlegm that needs to come out. Most chest infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, general tight chest etc.) respond well to physiotherapy and makes breathing easier.
Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) causes stuffiness and headaches. Ultrasound therapy (see link at top) over the sinuses of the face assists in drainage. Soft tissue techniques at the back of the neck also help!

Can I have physio for pain after dental procedures?   >>back to top
Yes, wisdom teeth extractions, correction of over/under bite, root canals etc. all cause pain and swelling as well as put strain on the neck and jaw. This can cause headaches. Physio can help relieve swelling, pain, stiffness and headaches caused after these procedures.

My child suffers from headaches. What can I do?   >>back to top
Children also suffer from headaches due to various causes, some of these being:
  • Poor posture (particularly in class!) puts strain on the neck, which can cause an immediate headache.
  • Heavy school bags, especially if carried on one shoulder, may cause muscle imbalances to develop around the neck/shoulder region. The small travel-type bag on wheels is best as it can be pulled around. Alternatively, try make the load as light as possible to have to carry.
  • If a child has difficulty in seeing the blackboard or workbook, headaches may result from eye strain. Every child should have their eyes tested regularly!
  • Headaches can be caused by sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).
  • The effects of increased stress on children today cannot be overlooked and may cause tension headaches.
It is always advisable to consult your GP or a medical professional if your child suffers from headaches.

What's the big deal about stretching and warming up?   >>back to top
There are more than 600 muscles in the body, which make up approximately 40% of your body weight. Each muscle has a particular function such as moving a finger or blinking an eyelid. Muscles perform 3 principal functions:1. Movement 2. Heat production (muscles are the primary source of body heat) and 3. Posture and body support (Human Anatomy, van der Graaf). It is obvious then that we need to look after our muscles by:
  • Regularly stretching tight muscles in the correct way!
  • Warming up before playing sport and stretching after!
  • Exercising at least 2-3 x weekly for 30 minutes!
  • Avoid bad postures (eg. slouching).
  • Eating a well-balanced diet daily (an unbalanced diet can cause cramping, pain and fatigue in muscles).
Muscles that are looked after will look after you! And vica versa.