World Physiotherapy Day is held every year on 8 September, the day the World Confederation for Physical Therapy was founded in 1951. It is a day when physiotherapists can promote the profession to:
- Showcase the significant role the profession makes to the health and wellbeing of the global population
- Raise the profile of the profession
- Campaign on behalf of the profession and its patients to governments and policy makers
The day marks the unity and solidarity of the physiotherapy community around the world. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community!
The campaign is focused around the following key messages:
- Exercise can play an important part in a person’s recovery from COVID-19
- As the experts in movement, physiotherapists can guide people in how exercise can help recovery
- People who have had severe cases of COVID-19 will need rehabilitation and physiotherapy to recover from the effects of treatment for the disease
- Using telehealth can help people access support from a physiotherapist to help them manage the impact of COVID-19
- Telehealth can be as effective as conventional healthcare methods to improve physical function
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of your recovery from COVID-19, paced to match your needs. As experts in movement and exercise, physiotherapists can guide you in how exercise can help:
- improve fitness
- reduce breathlessness
- increase muscle strength
- improve balance and coordination
- improve your thinking
- reduce stress and improve mood
- increase confidence
- improve your energy
Whether or not you’ve had COVID-19, many people may be wary of re-starting exercise or don’t know where to start.
You may have had COVID-19 and are not yet feeling physically ready to exercise, you may have been shielding or isolating for the past few months or you may have lost all your confidence as a result of lockdown.
As Physio’s, we can really hold your hand and guide you back into exercise in a very careful and supportive way. With our training and knowledge, we have the unique combination of skills that allow us to integrate and consider not only the best way to achieve the health benefits of exercise, but also your recovery from illness, pain and injury.
Here at goPhysio, in addition to 1-2-1 Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy, we have created a dedicated rehabilitation space, known as The Strong Room, from where we can gently guide and support you in regaining strength and rebuilding exercise habits. Our 1-2-1 exercise rehabilitation service is totally tailored to you, your aims and goals. We also offer both mat and Reformer Pilates, either 1-2-1 or small classes.
Telehealth
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge shift in how physiotherapists worked. Lockdown meant we were unable to see people in person (face to face), but pain and injuries didn’t stop and people still needed our help. So, we were able to embrace technology and offer support through online channels (aka Telehealth, Virtual, online, eHealth……..)
What is telehealth?
Telehealth or eHealth is the use of electronic communications to share medical information to improve a person’s health.
We are still offering the option of online physiotherapy and also Pilates at goPhysio, however, most people that we are booking in or need our help, are desperate to have the personal contact and benefits of face to face or in person appointments. Whilst Telehealth has experienced a huge surge and is undoubtedly here to stay, it has it’s limitations. Read more about our thoughts on this on a recent blog here.
Did you know?
Some resources and further information
Post Viral fatigue syndrome Up to 10% of people recovering from COVID-19 may develop post viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). If you feel you are not improving, or if activity is making you feel much worse, speak to your physiotherapist or healthcare practitioner and ask them to assess you for PVFS. The rehabilitation of people with PVFS requires different management strategies.
An exercise plan to help your COVID-19 recovery
Your recovery after severe illness with COVID-19
Accessing rehabilitation with telehealth
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