Why Do Some People Not Get the Physio Treatments They Need?

Despite there being plenty of well-documented, proven benefits of physiotherapy, there are still some barriers we've noticed that prevent people from getting the physiotherapy treatments they need to feel better.

Whether you’re recovering from a car crash, healing from a sports injury, or simply looking to overcome ongoing pain from other causes, physiotherapy has the power to help. So why is it that some people simply don’t get the help they need?

These are the most common barriers worth mentioning.

1. Expense

Sadly, financial issues are one of the main things that keep people from receiving the physio treatment they truly need to recover. One thing to keep in mind is that many physiotherapy clinics do direct billing of your insurance, meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket for your session. Furthermore, some clinics offer sliding-scale rates depending on income level or may be willing to work out a payment plan. 

2. Accessibility

Another common barrier to physiotherapy is physical access. For those who don’t drive, don’t live in an urban centre, and/or have limited physical mobility that prevents them from getting to a clinic on their own, it can feel hopeless to get the care they need. 

If you’re having accessibility issues, there is often another way to get the benefits of physiotherapy! Some clinics offer telehealth sessions, which are a way to talk one-on-one with a physiotherapist and get some guidance and coaching, all without having to leave home. 

3. Timing

In our busy lives, it can feel like a big ask to show up to physiotherapy once or more per week. And while it’s true that physiotherapy demands some of your time to work effectively, you should consider it as an investment. 

Physiotherapy is a tool to help you achieve physical wellness, while ensuring the process is adapted to your life. You might feel busy today, but you’ll be glad later on that you invested the time into your health, improving your quality of living across the board. 

When you have an initial consultation with a physiotherapist, let them know about your concerns regarding time. They may be able to suggest alternate schedules, substitute some sessions for an at-home routine, or simply have flexibility when it comes to rebooking.  

4. The Internet

In the age of the Internet, nearly all of humanity’s knowledge is just a Google search away. And while the Internet can be a useful tool for learning about the body and exercises, it’s missing one crucial thing: the assessment from a professional.

When it comes to Googling physiotherapy exercises, you run the risk of choosing ineffective exercises for your needs, practicing with poor form and missing out on the benefits, or possibly even injuring yourself. 

When you speak with a physiotherapist, you let them know about all the details of your physical health. By learning what struggles you’re facing (as well as your overall health goals), they’ll develop an in-depth, personalized treatment plan made for you alone. This plan will include a suite of exercises, a regimen to follow, and more, all tailor-made for your specific needs. The Internet simply can’t provide that level of personal care. 

5. Fear of pain

Physiotherapy isn’t known as a relaxing therapeutic process like massage. But don’t let that dissuade you! While physiotherapy can be difficult at times, it’s infinitely better than a lifetime of pain and limited mobility should your issues go untreated. Avoiding a small amount of discomfort today can lead to serious pain in the future.

It should also be noted that any good physiotherapist will adapt your routine to fit your personal pain threshold. Their goal is to stop pain, not to cause it. Always let your physiotherapist know if an exercise is too painful to continue, and they’ll tweak the routine as needed.

6. Reliance on medication

Physiotherapists treat recurring or chronic issues that don’t tend to go away on their own. So if you decide to use over-the-counter medication instead, you could be taking it for a long or even indefinite period of time. 

While pain medications are useful (and sometimes necessary), overreliance on them is never a good thing. Even mild, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen pose serious health risks when used too often or in excessive doses. 

Don’t count on pain medications to get you through issues that need physiotherapy. Because ultimately, they won’t be able to fix the root source of your problem. 

7. A desire to 'tough it out'

Some people have a mentality of self-sufficiency when it comes to physical injuries. But in many cases, ‘toughing it out’ does nothing but prolong or worsen your condition. If you injure your low back, for instance, but carry on with life as usual, you could actually make your injury more severe, leading to increased pain and even more injuries in the future.

While some issues will resolve themselves over time, many won’t. That’s where a physiotherapist comes in!

8. Doubt about physiotherapy's effects

Despite an overwhelming body of medical evidence, some people doubt the effectiveness of physiotherapy. However, the facts are clear: physiotherapy is used again and again to help the body recover and strengthen after injuries or other issues. In some cases, doctors even deem physiotherapy as medically vital for a patient!

Physiotherapy requires a personal approach, ensuring each patient’s unique needs, abilities, and goals are considered. Physiotherapy isn’t the answer to every problem. But for those cases that demand it, there is no substitute. 

9. Not knowing a physiotherapist

The good news about this part is, you know one now! Triumph Physio & Wellness is a full-service physiotherapy clinic, serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Pitt Meadows, and the Lower Mainland. We were voted Best Physiotherapy in Coquitlam for the Tricity A-List for 2019, 2020, and 2022. From sports therapy to orthopedic and vestibular therapy, we offer all varieties of physiotherapy, ensuring a speedy recovery for each and every patient. 

Do you have more questions about physiotherapy, its uses, its benefits, or anything else? Our team is here to help. With decades of experience and the skills to match, our physiotherapists can transform your health, help you strengthen your body, and get you back to life as normal.

Get in touch with us today for answers to your questions or to book your initial consultation. 

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