How Long Does Physiotherapy Take?
A common question patients have when considering physiotherapy is how long it will take them to recover their injury. In reality, this question is difficult to answer as several variables influence a patient’s treatment journey.
Before booking an appointment with one of the team members at True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy, have a look through our article for more information on how physiotherapy treatment sessions are determined and what you can expect during your appointments.
Every patient and their injury is different. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the extent of treatment for each patient before assessing their current condition. That said, here is an approximate length based on the type and seriousness of the injury you may be experiencing:
- Minor Soft tissue injuries: These types of injuries typically take 2 to 8 weeks to heal. However, the number of sessions you will require will vary as you progress through your healing journey.
- Chronic pathologies: These types of medical conditions will require anywhere from a minimum of 2 months of treatment.
Your commitment to treatment
Another critical factor that will determine the length of your physiotherapy is your commitment to treatment. Your physiotherapist will create a treatment plan that features various forms of exercises, stretches, and other lifestyle habits that are meant to aid you in regaining your strength and mobility while improving your overall well-being. In tandem with other hands-on methods, it is essential that patients do their best to stay on track outside of their physiotherapy appointments to encourage healing and prevent regression.
The physiotherapy clinic you choose to work with
Choosing a North York physiotherapy clinic that employs professional, knowledgeable, and experienced physiotherapists is also vital in ensuring your recovery is as efficient and pain-free as possible.
True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy proudly employs a team of physiotherapists and other health care professionals who all work together to provide high-quality patient care that empowers those we work with to achieve their health and wellness goals. We work alongside our patients to craft a treatment program that focuses on their strengths and barriers to ensure the challenges they face are supported every step of the way.
During the treatment plan patients will undergo intermittent reevaluations to track progress and to ensure improvements. Typically, patients will begin to recognize they are nearing the end of their treatment when:
- Their pain and discomfort have decreased
- Stiffness throughout the body has diminished
- Their strength and mobility have improved or fully recovered
Does physiotherapy hurt?
Although healing injured areas of the body may be challenging, and while some hands-on treatment methods may cause discomfort, patients should not experience increased pain during their physiotherapy sessions. Common physiotherapy treatments offered include trigger point therapy, cupping, manual therapy, pain management modalities, various strength exercises, flexibility stretches, etc.
An experienced physiotherapist is trained to work with patients and encourage transparent dialogue while treatment is being administered to foster a safe and comfortable environment.
In the event that a patient feels an increase in pain during one of their treatment sessions, patients are encouraged to inform their physiotherapist immediately to ensure that the condition is not exacerbated. Additionally, should you experience pain during your physiotherapy appointment, it will provide your therapist with the ability to adjust your treatment plan moving forward to accommodate your needs.
How long is a typical physiotherapy appointment?
During the initial assessment your physiotherapist will ask you a series of questions regarding your injury, pain, etc. and what your personal goals are that you would like to achieve from your treatment.
A series of orthopaedic and flexibility tests will be performed to determine the cause of the pain source. Once this information is recorded, your physiotherapist will create a treatment plan that is tailored to the unique needs and requirements of the patient. Each patient can expect this initial assessment to take approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of the complaint.
Following your first appointment, each treatment session may last approximately 30-45 minutes. The therapies you engage in during each appointment will vary depending on the treatment plan your physiotherapist has created and how you are feeling on the day of your treatment. Again, this will be different between patients and is dependent on your current condition.
How Soon After an Injury Should You Start Physiotherapy?
Although injuries vary in severity, seeking professional treatment is important to ensuring your recovery as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
As a rule of thumb, it is encouraged that individuals who have suffered an injury seek treatment sooner rather than later as it offers the best chances for optimal recovery. This will allow a physiotherapist to diagnose the problem and create a customized treatment plan with the goal of returning the patient back to their pre-injury status as efficiently as possible.
That said, it is never too late to start treatment for an injury you have suffered that is still causing pain, discomfort, and impairments in your mobility weeks or months after the initial injury.
Take the first step to living a more pain-free lifestyle. Book an initial assessment with a physiotherapist at True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy today.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of physiotherapy sessions a patient requires will depend on several factors, including:
- The type and severity of their injury
- The length of time between the occurrence of the injury and the date on which the patient is seeking to begin treatment
- The patient’s commitment to participating in the home exercise/education plan outside of their appointments.
Book an appointment with us today
True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy has been working with diverse patients for over 4 years. Our team of physiotherapists, other allied healthcare professionals, and front staff members work together to ensure our patients receive the high-quality care they deserve. From the moment you walk into our clinic, patients are welcomed into an inclusive and comfortable environment where they receive customized treatment plans that will help them heal and regain their strength, mobility, and confidence efficiently and safely.
At True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy, we are pleased to offer patients a variety of treatment options, including:
- Post-concussion therapy
- Massage therapy
- Custom orthotics and bracing
- Compression apparel
- Acupuncture
- Psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Shockwave therapy
- Cold laser therapy
From sports injuries to workplace accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and chronic pain, the team at True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy is well-equipped with the knowledge, experience, and skills to help you improve your current condition. We encourage individuals to book an initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists promptly following an injury or accident so that we can diagnose and customize a treatment plan that meets their needs. Regardless of when your injury has taken place or the severity of your pain or discomfort, we will work closely with you to ensure you are taken care of.
Call and book an appointment with one of the friendly front staff members at True Life Wellness and Physiotherapy today.