Can A Physio Prescribe Medication?

Can a physio prescribe medication

Can A Physio Prescribe Medication?

When seeking relief and treatment for various issues that create pain and swelling and decrease mobility and functionality, it can be difficult to know who to turn to and what option is the most appropriate for you. You may be considering a medical consultation, manual therapy, natural treatment, or medication. One or a combination of these may be advantageous depending on the history and nature of issue.

Physiotherapy is one option that involves a wide range of methods to assist many issues ranging from health conditions to sporting injuries. This physical form of therapy consists of a variety of techniques and approaches that can be highly beneficial, but you may be wondering – can I get medication or prescriptions from my physio?

At the Muscle Joint Bone clinics, our physios can undertake a comprehensive assessment of your condition and create a personalised treatment plan that incorporates evidence-based techniques to help you.

 

What Is A Physio?

A physiotherapist is an allied health professional who is qualified to support people of all ages, abilities, and genders with issues regarding the body’s structure, functionality, and mobility. They utilise physical and manual techniques, exercise prescription, education, and specialised equipment and resources to diagnose and treat issues such as injuries and chronic health issues. You do not require a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist, though a doctor may recommend you visit one.

 

Is Medication Part Of Physiotherapy?

Many issues and conditions that physios see involve pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility and functionality. When faced with these issues, many people regard medication as the approach to take.

Medication that can be used for pain and mobility issues differs depending on the specific issue. If this is the appropriate route for your condition, there are different options.

  • Some medication, such as paracetamol for general pain or opioids for stronger pain, decrease nerve signals by binding to specific receptors in the spinal cord and brain to reduce pain.
  • When pain is caused by inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), may be required. These target the body’s response at a local tissue level.
  • There are different, more complex medications and approaches that cater for nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain.

Physiotherapists are not qualified to prescribe medication. However, they are highly trained practitioners with university qualifications and are skilled in providing many other options that can be beneficial and perhaps more suitable in certain situations.

 

What Treatment Methods Are Involved In Physiotherapy?

Physios assess your specific situation to develop a course of action that will help you. This may involve a range of options. These can include:

 

Manual Therapy

This may involve techniques such as massage, acupuncture, and joint manipulation or mobilisation.

 

Biomechanical Analysis

Physios can assess relevant factors such as your gait or sport techniques to identify issues that can be improved.

 

Exercise prescription

A customised exercise routine is often helpful in reducing pain and inflammation, strengthening muscles, and improving flexibility, functionality, and mobility.

 

Education

It is important to understand the underlying factors of your issues, how to avoid or improve these, and what the best ways are to reach your goals. Physios support you and share knowledge and guidance as part of their treatment plans.

 

The Use Of Specialised Resources

This can include options such as tape and braces, and shockwave therapy and electrotherapy equipment.

 

When Should You See A Physio?

Physiotherapists can provide assistance for a wide range of problems and conditions. It is typically ideal to seek help early to find relief as soon as possible and prevent the issue persisting or worsening. Physios can help you with matters such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Parkinson’s disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Stoke.
  • Issues sustained through trauma, sports, and accidents.
  • Lymphoedema.

Physiotherapy Can Be Beneficial In Multiple Ways

Physiotherapists do not prescribe medication and instead take a different approach to pain, inflammation, and acute and chronic health conditions. The methods used can often be more sustainable than taking drugs, providing a way to find relief in a more long-term capacity without the side effects that may accompany medication use.

Physio care involves sessions in one of our clinics and is usually assisted by exercises, equipment, and knowledge that you can gain and continue in your own time. Book an appointment with one of our Epping, Doreen or Balwyn North Physios to undertake a full assessment with one of our qualified physios who will develop a plan customised for your needs.

 

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