In this post we discuss why one session of physiotherapy is just as beneficial as many for most people.
This was the conclusion of a recent study that investigated whether multiple sessions of physiotherapy were more beneficial than one for common musculoskeletal (MSK) issues like back or shoulder pain.
Does this surprise you?
Perhaps you think it would take more than one session to fix something like back pain for example?
It depends what you mean by ‘fix.’
Here I’m reminded of the Voltaire quote, “the art of medicine consists of amusing the patient, while nature cures the disease.”
Most episodes of back pain will improve by themselves providing you are given the right advice.
This is where physiotherapy might prove useful.
Reassurance and general guidance to continue moving within the boundaries set by pain will help most patients.
Providing massage and stretching however, as is common in private practice, does little to improve recovery in the long term.
In some cases it may even be counterproductive. Particularly if you’re given the false impression that somebody putting their hands on you can solve the problem.
Passive approaches like massage don’t work
Let me ask you a question, what’s the best way to get stronger? Is it lying on a massage table whilst somebody moves you around and pokes you?
Of course not.
Yet study after study shows back pain for example, can be improved if the muscles of the back are strengthened.
Not only that you’ll get a heap of other benefits by actively contracting muscles. Some of which include the release of substances that actually reduce pain.
Why isn’t exercise standard practice in physiotherapy?
Most physiotherapists are not trained to deliver exercise. It forms a very small part of physiotherapy degrees.
In addition, the majority work in small clinics with little access to exercise equipment.
This is why if an exercise is given, it will usually involve a theraband or your body weight. Neither of which are ideal tools to strengthen your body.
This is like trying to fix your car in the street with a bag of spanners. Whilst it might be convenient, you are much better off in a garage that has specific equipment for the job.
Summary
Don’t get me wrong, I like physios. They are usually well intentioned individuals who chose their profession based on a desire to help people.
If however your treatment plan consists of multiple sessions of massage with no mention of gyms or exercise, you might be better off getting a second opinion.