Did you know that ‘physio near me’ is one of the most commonly searched terms in google?
This week’s blog is going to take a slightly different approach, and a conversation I heard at the train station is the catalyst for writing it.
Yesterday, while waiting for my train into the city, I overheard a couple talking about their poor experience at a physiotherapist the week before.
“They’re all the same” remarked the gentleman.
Now, as a strong advocate for my profession, I had to bite my tongue at some of the misconceptions that were being discussed between them, and instead, came home and decided to vent via a blog post!
First of all, I want to explain a very common question we get asked:
“what is the difference between physiotherapists and chiropractors”
In a nutshell, physiotherapists primary goal is to not only treat your pain with hands-on techniques, but also work out the root cause, and then prescribe an appropriate intervention (usually a strengthening/stretching program) to ensure that the problem does not return. This way, we empower our clients to take control of their own health, or commonly referred to as, an active approach.
A chiropractor on the other hand, predominately works via a passive approach, i.e. you attend to their rooms on a regular basis for ‘adjustments’ – you need them to regular ‘fix’ you rather than you ‘fixing’ yourself.
Now, onto the ‘physio near me’ google search term.
After returning home, I decided to do some ‘googling’ and figure out who the other local providers were and I must admit, the variety and choices were astounding.
Exercise physiology, craniosacral therapy, clinical Pilates, musculoskeletal physiotherapy – all these super technical words that I am sure the general public has no understanding of what they actually mean.
The couple at the train station discussed how they came to find this particular physiotherapist, that is, via a google search! Now don’t get me wrong, We are listed on google, have a maps listing on google, however most of the content I published online is in the form of educational pieces, so that people can listen to what I have to say on a particular condition, implement the tips, and then hopefully, achieve an outcome through their implementation.
However, in my opinion, the best way to find a ‘physio near me’ is through a more thorough approach as opposed to simply going for the most local and convenient.
You want to find someone who takes the time to listen to your specific history, does not simply provide a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach to therapy, genuinely shows empathy to what you have been through and is enthusiastic about your recovery.
I try to encourage my clients to avoid the latest trends and take a simple approach:
- Make sure you get a reduction in pain within the first couple of sessions
- Complete your home exercise program (it should not contain more than 2 – 3 exercises)
- Attend your consultations as per the recommendations from the physio
- Start and continue with a strengthening program as soon as pain allows.
So, the next time you, or a friend, is thinking of finding a ‘physio near me’ and turns to google for answers, remember that we are not all the same and it is best to use the 4-step approach above to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your treatment.
Yours in health
Nick Young