Physical therapy helps improve how your body moves and feels. It’s about helping and supporting your muscles, joints and bones to work well together so you can move without pain and recover from injuries. Our physiotherapists use a range of physical therapy techniques to optimise our clients’ recoveries and improve their mobility and function. Here’s a look into physical therapy and its benefits for your body and your long-term health.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy encompasses a range of treatments used by musculoskeletal professionals to enhance your physical health and movement. The term can be misunderstood or misused because sometimes ‘physical therapy’ and ‘physiotherapy’ are separated into two different (but connected) professions. This can make understanding where you should be making an appointment if you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain confusing.
Here in Hong Kong, physical therapy refers to many of the treatment components our physiotherapists use in our clients’ management plans. As the name suggests, physical therapy includes both hands-on therapy to manipulate the body (like through sports massage) as well as teaching you exercises and ways to use your body to support your recovery and your goals. If you’re working with a physio for rehab or performance or movement optimisation, you’re receiving physical therapy, likely in several forms.
What Is Physical Therapy Usually For?
Physical therapy benefits those with muscle or joint pain or those not moving efficiently. This may be for a range of reasons including injuries, physical impairments and disabilities. We often use physical therapy to help with:
- Back and neck pain, including from poor posture, injury and degenerative conditions
- Sports injuries
- Rehab after surgery. We often work with clients following knee replacements, ACL repairs and shoulder surgeries
- Arthritis. While it may sound counterintuitive, physical therapy (and movement in general) is actually very useful in helping reduce joint stiffness and pain, improving flexibility and movement (keeping you more comfortable)
- Workplace injuries, including repetitive strains and acute injuries. We help you return to work safely (and reduce your risk of that same injury recurring)
- Children's physiotherapy - from growing pains and injuries to complex physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, postural and coordination problems and more
- Antenatal care. Physical therapy is a great way to support your body throughout your pregnancy
Benefits Of Physical Therapy
When we use physical therapy, we have clear goals and benefits we want to achieve. These may include:
- Helping restore (or improve) the way your body functions and your ability to move normally
- Relieving pain
- Improving strength and flexibility
- Improving balance and coordination
- Supporting your circulation and overall health
- Compensating for physical disabilities: for example, strengthening the left arm if the right arm can’t move due to paralysis
- Preventing injuries and chronic problems
- A faster recovery from surgery (whether you’re preparing for the surgery or have already had it)
We love that physical therapy helps our clients without relying on medications or injection therapies. Physical therapy isn’t just about helping you get some pain relief or function improvement now - it's about setting you up for success in the long term.
What To Expect From A Physical Therapy Session
When you come in for a physical therapy session with one of our physiotherapists, you can expect hands-on, personalised care that aligns with the management plan we have already created for you. If it’s your first visit with us, we’ll also complete your full assessment, make a diagnosis, explain exactly what it means, and discuss what we will include in your management plan to help you get the best outcomes - which will include physical therapy.
Your physical therapy sessions will then include the components set out in your plan. This can look like:
- Going over stretching and strengthening exercises. Reviewing your progress and technique and teaching you new movements when your body is ready
- Using targeted massage techniques to help with muscles, mobility, reducing inflammation and supporting your recovery
- Joint mobilisation techniques to improve the movement of stiff joints.
- Going over pain management techniques you can leverage throughout your day
- Teaching you about ergonomics, techniques and habits to set you up for a successful recovery and long-term well-being
Each physical therapy session supports your recovery and journey towards better physical health. We expect that over time, you’ll notice improvements in your strength, mobility, and comfort, helping you get back to doing what you love.
FAQs
How long does a physical therapy session last?
Your first appointment, where we complete a full assessment, usually lasts around 60 minutes. After that, physical therapy and review sessions last for 45 minutes. The time spent will include a mix of hands-on treatments, exercises, and guidance for at-home care.
How many physical therapy sessions will I need?
This entirely depends on your injury, diagnosis and treatment goals. Some clients only need a few sessions, while others may benefit from weekly or fortnightly sessions for several months, especially in the case of post-surgical recovery or chronic pains that have been present for years.
Does physical therapy hurt?
No, our treatments and techniques shouldn’t be painful. Typically, any discomfort is a result of working with a weak or injured area of the body. Don’t worry, your physiotherapist will always ensure that any discomfort is manageable and that treatment is safe for your condition.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
We accept referrals from doctors and other health professionals, but they’re not necessary - you can book directly with us yourself. The only consideration is whether your insurance company may require a formal referral from your GP first.
What should I wear to my physical therapy session?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Shorts and a T-shirt are great. If you’re being treated for a specific area like your knee, shoulder, or back, it would be ideal for your clothing to allow us to properly assess that area and be able to complete hands-on therapies if needed.
How quickly will I see results from physical therapy?
We expect progress between sessions. The rate of this progress will depend on the nature of your injury and also how closely you’re sticking to your rehab plan. Many of our clients notice significant improvements after just a few sessions. Others with more complicated or severe injuries may need more time. Consistency really is key.
Can physical therapy prevent surgery?
Yes, it’s one of our goals with physical therapy at times - helping you avoid surgery by improving your strength, mobility, and overall function. For example, it’s often used as a first-line treatment for conditions like herniated discs or knee injuries, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
Does physical therapy help with knee pain?
Yes! Physical therapy can be helpful for knee pain caused by injuries, arthritis, and for recovering after knee surgery. Your physiotherapist will develop a plan to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain through targeted exercises and manual techniques.
Does physical therapy help with back pain like sciatica?
Physical therapy can help with back pain too, which includes sciatica. We do it by working to improve your flexibility, strengthening your core muscles, and helping relieve nerve pressure.