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?

Rehabilitation

How long will it take me to get better?   >>back to top
This depends on various factors like: Where in the body the problem is; your general health; how the injury happened; previous injuries; how long your pain has persisted for; what medication you are on and how soon you came for physio after your injury or when the pain started.
After any type of injury though, you will not completely recover in the first week as during this time the body's natural healing response kicks in no matter what. This is essential for healing to take place and even though you may feel better, the body is still recovering. Depending on the intensity and site of the injury, ligaments and muscles can take weeks to months to completely heal. Bones tend to take a lot longer.
For these reasons you will be often be asked to come for a follow up appointment much weeks/months later even though you are feeling fine.

Should I join a gym, or can I do rehab at home?   >>back to top
Rehabilitation can be done at home and you do not have to join a gym. Therabands, weights, steps, pillows, swimming pools etc. can be used in the comfort of your own home. Sometimes the exercises can be done in the car, standing in a queue or even in your chair at work. If you are already a member of a gym, your physio will advise you on using certain equipment at the gym to achieve the desired results!

What if I don't do my exercises?   >>back to top
The active participation and co-operation from a client is key to their recovery. All clients have a responsibility for maintaining their progress that is achieved by physiotherapy. No one's going to shout at you for not doing your exercises but... your body will!