What is the Best Treatment for You?

Tricia Hayton, Registered Physiotherapist
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When your doctor tells you that physiotherapy would be a good way to reduce the pain and increase the function of your sore joint or muscle, it can be overwhelming.   Some physicians will refer you to a clinic that they prefer.  Some own the clinic they refer you to and therefore have reasons other than your health to refer you there.   We find that most people go home, do a google search, read the reviews and pick a clinic that is convenient, but still seems to be a strong candidate.

But what should you look for in terms of proper treatment?

Recently, the British Journal of Sport Medicine printed an article by Lin et al.  to help answer that question.     They looked at 6232 records and 44 practice guidelines to determine what the best practices are for treating musculoskeletal injuries.    They found that there were 11 things that should be considered when treating injuries:

1. Care should be patient centered.  Decision-making should be shared, taking in the patient’s lifestyles and goals.
2. A screen should be done for serious pathology or red flags.
3. Psychosocial factors should be assessed.   How is this injury affecting your lifestyle – can you still work, take care of your family and enjoy leisure activities?
4. Imaging should be limited – use only if a serious pathology is expected, or if the patient is not responding to conservative treatment.
5. Physical examination including a neurological screen and assessing mobility and strength should be completed.
6. Progress should be evaluated using outcome measures.
7. Education should be provided regarding the problem and how to manage it.
8. Management should address physical activity and exercise.
9. Manual therapy should be used in addition to other treatments.
10. Non – surgical care should be attempted prior to surgical care
11. Facilitate continuation or resumption of work.

​Take this information and ask questions during your assessment.  A high-quality therapist will be able to answer all of your questions confidently, and will be able to address the items above.   If your treatment consists solely of machines and hot packs, or even hands on therapy without exercise, you may not be getting all of the benefits of treatment.  This not only wastes time and money – but keeps you from being the best that you can be.