People seeking physiotherapy treatment in Bahrain on rise

TDT | Manama                              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Staff Reporter  

Over recent years, public perception towards physiotherapy has changed massively which has allowed and encouraged more people to get the medical assistance they need to acquire the best possible recovery.

Physiotherapy is used to help restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapy can also help reduce the risk of injury or illness. Physiotherapy is available to people of all ages who suffer from medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their regular ability to move and function.

It can also assist in diagnosing injuries, including problems affecting the bones, joints, soft tissue, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and sports injuries. Aparna Rao, chief physiotherapist at Holistic Health Physical Therapy Center, told The Daily Tribune: “The most common injuries we treat deal with low back pain and neck issues that result from our daily activities, and most people are not aware of how our daily activities can impact our bodies.

“For example, individuals who work in offices. While using their computers for an extended period, they are not aware that it can cause bad posture. Additionally, repetitive injuries to the same joints is another common issue that we treat.”

Rao said it is important to educate patients on how to lead a pain-free life to prevent further injuries. “Of course, we treat our patients and lead them to the best recovery possible; however, it is essential that patients are also being educated on how to avoid further injuries or repetitive injuries.”

The aim of physiotherapy is to get the patient back to their daily activities, Rao added. “Recovery varies from every patient and their condition. It is also essential that individuals who suffer with injuries or pain are seeking therapy as soon as possible as it helps to reduce the pain period and increases the recovery outcome,” Rao explained.

“If patients are not seeking therapy, and leave their injuries untreated, this could result in surgery for the patient, which is not a preferred outcome.” With physiotherapy, it is important to remember that patients might not experience a full recovery; however, if the patient continues with treatment, and follows recommendations within daily activities such as posture correction, they receive a higher recovery outcome.

Patients must be dedicated to following recommendations outside of the treatment center, and instill new habits to their daily routines. Rao highlighted the tremendous increase in individuals seeking therapy regarding their injuries.

“Physiotherapy has become more popular in recent times. I notice that people are approaching a physiotherapist directly, and people are now much more aware of the benefits of physiotherapy, which is great as it encourages others to seek the help they need,” she said.

“Additionally, I have seen a rise in doctors referring patients for physiotherapy which was not common in previous times.” Aparna emphasised that physiotherapy is a great option instead of a patient undergoing surgery as a first option, saying: “If the medications prescribed to you are not efficient in treating your condition, physiotherapy is another conservative means of treatment that can be used to treat injuries.”