Share
What we’ll cover
  1. What is causing my symptoms or pain?
  2. How long will this take to get better?
  3. What can I do to assist with my treatment?
  4. What should I avoid?

Top questions to ask your physiotherapist

At Malvern East Physiotherapy, we see a range of conditions from sore necks and backs; sporting injuries; through to rehabilitation following surgery from a range of conditions.  In addition assessment and treatment, our mission is to guide and empower you throughout the recovery process.  Open dialogue and learning more about what’s going on will help you get the most out of your rehabilitation.  Here’s a list of my top questions to your physiotherapist at your next appointment.

top questions to ask your physiotherapist

What is causing my symptoms or pain?

Gaining a better understanding of what’s going on provides a specific focus to address throughout recovery and rehabilitation.  In some cases, the reason for injury is obvious.  It may have been a specific incident or injury.  In other cases, a range of factors may have culminated in an injury occurring.  As part of a thorough assessment, your physiotherapist will have diagnosed and identified specific causes of your symptoms.  Addressing these causes and the symptoms will prevent the likelihood of recurrence

For example, plantar fascioapthy is a common complaint that results in pain around the heel.  Overloading or embarking on exercise too quickly is a common factor.  However, reduced ankle flexibility, poor calf flexibility or reduced strength around the hip or pelvis can also be contributing factors to causing heel pain.  Without these factors being addressed, whilst symptoms can be reduced, the likelihood of recurrent heel pain is high.

How long will this take to get better?

The prognosis of recovery and time frames is a crucial part of injury management.  Your physiotherapist will be able to give you time frames on your prognosis based your on specific goals and objectives.

A soft tissue injury or muscular strain may take six to eight weeks for full recovery and heeling.  Pain is not commonly a good indicator for returning to activity.  As part of your recovery, a graduated return to training or competition allows recovery, adaptation and healing.  Failing to follow these guidelines commonly results in numerous set back and ultimately a longer recovery period.

What can I do to assist with my treatment?

Whilst you might see your physiotherapist up to several times a week, there will be a range of self management strategies or exercises your physiotherapist will encourage you to perform to complement their treatment.

This could include specific exercises such as stretches or strengthening exercises. It could even include pain relieving strategies such as using an ice pack or a heat pack in some circumstances.  Be realistic with the amount of time you can commit to perform these habits as it will make your rehabilitation and recovery from injury a much smoother journey.

What should I avoid?

Be sure to ask your physiotherapist about activities that may hamper or affect your healing.  This is equally important to performing daily habits to improve your recovery.  If you are unsure about anything, no matter how trivial it seems, ask your physiotherapist.  All the positive habits can be negated if you’re performing habits which could be stalling your progress.  For example, heating rather than icing or stretching structures rather than resting can all stall progress with your rehabilitation.

Be sure to have these conversation with your physiotherapist.  Asking these questions will allow you to gain a better understanding of what’s going on.  Our team welcome you to ask these questions and if not, we are likely to initiate these conversations.  Our mission at Malvern East Physiotherapy is to empower you to keep active and injury free.  Arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible creates a smooth and efficient recovery.

Ask these questions at your next physiotherapy consultation or appointment. Call us or book online today.


Follow us
on instagram

Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with clinic news and the latest tips and advice from our team of physiotherapists.