If you’ve recently experienced an injury, you might be eager to get back to your routine, however, this can do even more damage to your body. Instead, it’s important that you focus on making a full recovery.
Effective rehabilitation and physiotherapy can make a world of difference, so read on if you’d like to learn more.
Understanding rehabilitation and physiotherapy
To understand why rehabilitation and physiotherapy are important after an injury, we have to know what they mean.
Injury rehabilitation is the process of using a structured program of exercises to restore function, strength, and mobility following an injury. Upon completion, individuals should be able to return to their previous level of activity.
Physiotherapy, meanwhile, is a specific type of rehabilitation focused on movement, function, and pain management through exercises and manual therapy. Both should help individuals improve their quality of life following an injury.
Benefits of early intervention
If left ignored, the effects of your injuries can worsen, leading to further damage, joint stiffness, and even muscle atrophy. Alternatively, visiting a physiotherapist as soon as possible after your injury can not only prevent these outcomes, but actually accelerate your recovery.
Beginning physiotherapy promptly should also see you experience a range of other benefits, such as enhanced pain management and faster recovery time. With the benefits of physiotherapy being so strong, why risk prolonged pain and injury?
The role of personal injury claims in funding rehabilitation
Unfortunately, while rehabilitation through the NHS is free, private physiotherapy can be quite expensive. Additionally, even if you do get rehabilitation through the NHS, your injuries may be severe enough to stop you from working and limit your income. If that’s the case, you may need to claim for compensation.
Consulting with no win no fee solicitors is an excellent way to access quality legal expertise, without any of the upfront costs. This can help you alleviate any financial burdens and ensure that you get high-quality treatment.
Accessing rehabilitation services in the UK
If you need to access rehabilitation or physiotherapy services, there are several pathways you can take.
NHS
If you want to access a physiotherapist free of charge, the NHS supports this throughout the UK. Depending on where you live, you may be able to self-refer, or you may need to first visit your GP. Unfortunately, self-referral isn’t available everywhere, but your local GP surgery or hospital can assist.
Private
Since NHS waiting lists can be long, you might be better off choosing a private physiotherapist. Going private means you won’t typically need a Doctor’s referral, but you will have to pay for treatment.
Choosing the right rehabilitation programme
When recovering from an injury, it’s important to remember that effective treatment is not one-size-fits-all. While you may want to try a specific plan, this might not target your injuries as effectively. This is where personalised physiotherapy rehabilitation programs come in.
A personalised plan should thoroughly analyse your injuries, lifestyle, and overall health to create a treatment tailored to your specific needs. Ultimately, helping you to recover faster and limit the chances of another injury during your recovery.