Frequently Asked Questions
Physiotherapy FAQs
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions, including injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal (muscles and bones), neuromuscular (brain and nerves) and cardiorespiratory (heart and lungs) systems.
What can physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy can be used to treat many different injuries and health problems. Any joint that is swollen, painful or giving way should be seen by a physiotherapist to improve symptoms. Common physio problems include sciatica, arthritis, or after a sports injury. At Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance, we use strength and conditioning, reformer pilates, manual therapy techniques, acupuncture, shockwave therapy and other modalities to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
For more information check out the links below:
How effective is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy has a vital role in promoting physical well-being, restoring function, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages and conditions. It provides non-invasive, drug-free treatment options that address the root causes of physical impairments, aiming to maximise independence and overall health. Examples of this include:
Rehabilitation and recovery: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and recovery process after an injury, surgery, or illness. It helps restore mobility, strength, and function through targeted exercises, stretches, and functional training. Physiotherapists create customised treatment plans to address individual needs and goals, promoting a faster and more complete recovery.
Enhancing sports performance: Physiotherapy is widely used in the field of sports to optimise performance and prevent injuries.
Injury prevention: Physiotherapists are trained to assess biomechanics and identify areas of weakness or imbalance that could lead to injuries. They can provide education, exercise programs, and recommendations for proper ergonomics and body mechanics to help prevent injuries in sports, work, and daily activities.
Pain management: Physiotherapy helps in reducing pain caused by various musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, or chronic pain conditions.
Improved mobility and flexibility: Physiotherapy focuses on restoring and improving mobility and flexibility in joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Through specific exercises, joint mobilisation techniques, and stretching, physiotherapy helps enhance range of motion and promotes better overall movement.
Management of chronic conditions: Physiotherapy is valuable for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes. Physiotherapists can develop individualised treatment plans that include exercises, pain management techniques, and education on self-care strategies to improve quality of life and functional abilities.
To see what common sport injuries we see, check out the links below:
Is physiotherapy safe whilst pregnant?
Yes, physiotherapy is generally safe during pregnancy and can provide many benefits for pregnant women. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider and seek guidance from a qualified physiotherapist who has experience in treating pregnant women.
Here are some important considerations regarding physiotherapy during pregnancy:
Seek professional advice: Before starting any physiotherapy treatment, it is crucial to consult with your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare provider to ensure that physiotherapy is suitable for your specific condition and stage of pregnancy.
Choose a suitable physiotherapist: some physiotherapists specialise in women's health or prenatal care. They will have the expertise to provide appropriate treatments and exercises tailored to the needs of pregnant women with pelvic problems. However if you have a different kind of problem (eg back, shoulder or knee pain) you may be more suited for a musculoskeletal specialist. At Kaizen we unfortunately do not provide specialist Women’s Health physiotherapy but we can signpost you in the right direction!
What about when physio hurts?
No, physiotherapy exercises are not meant to cause pain. The goal of physiotherapy exercises is to promote healing, improve mobility, and strengthen the affected area or muscle groups. It's important to note that certain conditions or injuries may initially cause some discomfort or mild pain during the early stages of rehabilitation. However, it should not be excessive or cause significant pain.
It is important to communicate with us about any discomfort or pain you may experience during exercise. Exercises can be adjusted, the intensity modified, or alternative exercises that are more comfortable for you can be provided. Your physiotherapist will work with you to find the right balance between challenging your body to promote improvement and avoiding excessive pain or strain.
If you ever experience severe pain, increased swelling, or any other concerning symptoms during or after performing physiotherapy exercises, it is important to inform your physiotherapist immediately. They will assess the situation and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure your safety and well-being.
What should I wear for physiotherapy?
When attending a physiotherapy appointment, it is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement and access to the areas being treated. Here are some suggestions for what to wear:
Loose or flexible clothing: Choose clothing that is not too tight or restrictive. Opt for loose-fitting tops, pants, or shorts that allow your body to move freely during exercises or assessments. Stretchy fabrics or activewear can be a good choice.
Accessibility for the area being treated: If you have a specific injury or condition that requires attention, try to wear clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. For example, if you have a knee injury, wearing shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up to expose the knee area is helpful.
Comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support and stability. Avoid high heels, sandals, or shoes with slippery soles, as these may hinder your movements or increase the risk of accidents during exercises or walking.
Avoid excessive jewellery: It is advisable to remove any large or dangling jewellery, such as long necklaces or bracelets, as they can interfere with your movements or get in the way during treatment sessions.
What do I need to bring for physiotherapy?
As well as appropriate clothing, it's a good idea to bring any relevant medical documents, referral forms and medications that you are taking that may be required for your appointment.
Where are your physiotherapy clinics located?
Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance operates out of several different clinic locations including
Tottenham Court Road (Near Soho, Covent Garden, Warren Street, easily accessible from Camden Town, Hampstead and Highgate) Find on Google Maps.
Liverpool Street (near Spitalfields Market, walking distance from Bank and Moorgate areas of the City) Find on Google Maps
Marylebone (Near Harley street and Mayfair areas) Find on Google Maps.
Wimbledon Village (Easy to get to from Putney, Fulham, Southfields, Earlsfield and Wandsworth) Find on Google Maps.
How important is injury prevention?
Injury prevention is becoming increasingly vital as a treatment tool in physiotherapy. These days, there is a greater diversity of people participating in many different sports and activities. Whilst this is great news, often times those who end up needing physiotherapy are those who have little knowledge about how to train, especially as we are getting older as a population!