Back Strain and recovery time

[yitmy]

Thats cool. Over on the side of the pond, it often takes patients to make the call for therapy. The doctor may just needs a "nudge". Some do not consider the need for therapy, or they just are unaware how Physical Therapy can help. Orthopedic physicians frequently refer to PT but some would try surgical intervention before they would try PT. I have seen clients both ways and often the client indicates their frustration that they could have been more improved if they tried therapy first. Then they ask why the doctor did not order, and I am left scratching my head.

Once physicians get good outcomes from therapy intervention then they will refer to therapy more regularly, but it takes time to get that going. Often they will refer their problem patients. People who they have tried multiple treatments(medication, pain management, surgery) and all without help. Then they try us and we may or may not get them better. I think, they then feel it did not work for that guy, then it probably wont work for other clients too.

Its very frustrating but by educating the future clients to be more proactive(aware/educated) with their care only helps themselves and their clinical outcomes. We have tried to educate physicians but time is a big factor. And if you are not helping them then your often in their way. So sometimes when we approach a physician it is an effort to get them on board. And there are just so many physicians and their turn over or new grads makes the process never ending. So I believe educating future users of the healthcare system will only improve their outcomes from the entire system. I guess as you can tell this is an issue I feel strongly about.

[5kgLifter]

I agree, it's important that people know where they can go for health, and to the appropriate area, which is really important. Doctors, sometimes, do not always see the bigger picture: they may automatically lay blame on a virus etc without asking questions, but then where to start with the questions. Example: 1 and half hour Ashtanga yoga session, twice a day, resulting in increased peristalsis= really bad news; doctors assumption, some form of bug, do tests. A doctor would not think to ask 'what are you doing daily' etc, so people doing exercise must be vigilant, if something has altered, the exerciser may hold the key to the answer; since the doctor cannot know everything, and all variables involved. Good to see that you feel strongly about the issue, more of this is needed in society, I feel.

[karateka1]

Damn, all of that happens just before i am off to university and will be changing my address! What would a physiotherapy usually consist of?

[yitmy]

Well first you would have to be evaluated and then a program is designed to get you painfree usually with exercises and possibly some mobility onto segments that are stiff/sore. Possible some modalities to reduce any spasms that may prevent the first two from occurring. Modalities are the use of heat/cold/massage/electrical stimulation/ultrasound...

Where are you going to school?