A frequently asked question at North 49 is: *“How many physio treatments will I need to see improvement for my headaches, back pain, foot pain, etc.?” While we can’t provide a one-size-fits-all answer, here are four things we need to consider before giving an answer:
1. The Three Phases of Recovery
Physiotherapy typically involves three key phases:
1. Pain Control: The first goal is to manage and alleviate pain. This phase usually requires a few sessions to get you started on the path to relief.
2. Recovery of Motion: Once pain is under control, we focus on restoring movement and flexibility. This phase helps address stiffness and improve your range of motion, often necessitating additional sessions.
3. Conditioning and Returning to Activity: The final phase involves strengthening and conditioning to prevent future issues. This stage prepares you to return to your daily activities safely and effectively, and it typically involves several more sessions.
2. Expectation of Sessions
On average, patients commonly require at least five physio treatments to navigate through all three phases of recovery. This number allows us to effectively address pain, improve motion, and ensure safe return to activity. However, the exact number of sessions may vary:
– Some patients may need fewer sessions: If your condition is less severe or responds quickly to treatment.
– Others may require more sessions: Particularly for complex cases, such as post-operative ACL repair, where a more extended course of therapy might be necessary.
3. Why Completing Your Plan of Care is Crucial
It’s understandable to want to stop therapy once your pain is managed, but completing the full plan of care is essential. Pain relief is just one part of the recovery process. Addressing underlying issues like tight or weakened tissues is crucial to:
– Prevent Recurrence: Tackling the root causes of your pain helps reduce the risk of it coming back.
– Improve Function: Ensuring you can safely return to your normal activities.
– Enhance Quality of Life: Achieving long-term relief and preventing frustration from recurring issues.
Our goal at North 49 is to equip you with the tools and strategies to manage your condition effectively and minimize future problems.
4. Tailored Treatment
Remember, every patient’s journey is unique. If you have questions about what to expect with your physio treatments at North 49, feel free to give us a call or book an Initial Assessment with one of our physical therapists through our online platform. We’re here to guide you and tailor your care to your specific needs.