Our society still lacks proper awareness and understanding about the advantages of seeing a physiotherapist. When one is in pain, the typical course of action is to take pain relievers, get a massage, and so on. However, seeing a physiotherapist can help with any unwarranted aches and traumatic incidents.
Sharing some of the cases she came across in her clinic, which is located in Miri, Sarawak, Jennifer Ee, co-founder and director of Excellence Physiotherapy, stressed the need of visiting a physiotherapist.
“Because we need to move, walk, and carry items every day. All of these necessitate movement and strength. The muscles we utilise on a daily basis degrade as we age.”
According to her, our muscle strength weakens over time. Our muscles can re-learn and re-adapt to their normal functionality with adequate and active care from a physiotherapist.
“When the discomfort sets in, there will be a lack of sleep and a return to a sedentary lifestyle. By consulting a physiotherapist, we can educate the patient on how to keep their current active lifestyle with ease,” she said.
The patients
Excellence Physiotherapy, Miri, launched in 2019, has seen a surge of patients with various conditions. Though the majority of the cases are common, each one is unique. The clinic also has a team of occupational therapists, speech therapists, and nutritionists. Jennifer said that most of the patients who came to see the physiotherapists were over the age of 40. There were also young patients who came in for sports-related injuries.
Patients seeking pain management are usually the ones that frequent her clinic.
“Back aches, non-specific back problems, and non-specific neck problems are examples of such pain. These issues are prevalent in our population and account for the vast majority of cases.”
Jennifer also encounters patients who come in before or after surgery. The latter is usually for rehabilitation.
“If patients come here prior to surgery, we will help them to manage their pain, enhance their strength, and modify their daily routines to suit their current conditions.
“We also advise them on how to live to their full potential in their daily lives.”
For patients who came in after their operation, she said that her clinic would normally follow the surgery protocol.
“The programmes for post-surgery on the knee or a dislocation after a trauma involve procedure based on months, activity, and personal goal.”
As an example, the physiotherapist said that if a patient’s goal after surgery is to climb Canada Hill in Miri, then the programmes would aid the patient’s recovery towards the aim.
“Another example is when a kindergarten headmaster comes in and expresses a desire to be able to sit on the floor with her children in school with ease, we will train her to achieve that goal through the programme we curate.”
Painkillers, not a permanent solution
In pharmacies and stores nowadays, we can find rows of painkillers of various brands. All of these are intended to alleviate pain or discomfort. Jennifer, on the other hand, believes that painkillers are not a long-term answer to relieve bodily discomfort. Furthermore, consuming the maximum amount can be harmful to the kidneys.
“Painkillers can only momentarily relieve discomfort. The aching inside the joint, on the other hand, will continue. Because it makes the patient feel that there is no pain, they may continue to lift heavy weights, further injuring the joints,” she said.
Jennifer, who has worked in the industry for nearly two decades, advises anyone experiencing body aches and pains to seek medical attention.
“Learn about what’s on the inside first, and then proceed from there. When you understand your body and its problems better, you won’t need to use painkillers on a daily basis.”
Nonetheless, she does not dismiss the need for painkillers. When the pain becomes unbearable, the patient may take it.
“Once the inflammation has subsided, the patient can gradually reduce his or her consumption.”
Present in her clinic in Miri, the physiotherapist and her team are ready to assist those in need.
“Along with the treatments we provide, patient education is our top priority. Our mission as physiotherapists is to help patients get back on their feet and return to their normal lives without agony.”
When not to visit a physiotherapist
Don’t go right after a traumatic fall that happened yesterday. Consult a physician first to rule out any fractures.
If you have numbness in both limbs, do not visit. Consult a doctor first to ensure that there are no problems.
If your bladder or bowel movements are affected, do not visit. This indicates that there is excruciating pain — seek medical attention first!
When to visit a physiotherapist
When you have a physical objective that you wish to achieve but discover that you have certain limitations.
When you experience an ache or pain that persists for longer than two weeks despite your best efforts.
For the elderly who want to exercise but don’t know where or how to begin because all exercise programmes are too rigorous.
If you have a history of back or knee pain.
