Feeling Better vs. Getting Better
Understanding the Difference in Your Physiotherapy Journey
Embarking on a physiotherapy journey involves the crucial goals of feeling better and getting better. While these objectives often appear similar, they represent distinct phases of your healing process. Understanding the difference can help you navigate your recovery more effectively and set realistic expectations. In this post, we’ll explore these two vital aspects of physiotherapy and why focusing on both is essential for your long-term health.
Feeling Better: Immediate Relief
"Feeling better" refers to the immediate alleviation of symptoms that you may experience early on in your physiotherapy sessions. This phase is often marked by reduced pain levels, enhanced mobility, and an overall sense of comfort. Here’s what feeling better encompasses:
Symptom Relief: A primary aim of physiotherapy is to reduce pain or discomfort, making daily tasks more manageable. Techniques such as manual therapy, exercises, and modalities like dry needling or taping can help achieve this.
Improved Mobility: Early gains in your range of motion signify progress. Increased joint mobility and reduced stiffness allow you to perform routine activities with more ease.
Enhanced Comfort: After your initial sessions, you might have an improved sense of well-being, which keeps you motivated and engaged in your treatment plan.
Getting Better: Sustainable Progress
The concept of "getting better" focuses on long-term recovery and achieving lasting improvements in your health. This phase is about addressing root causes to strengthen your body and prevent future setbacks. Here's how getting better unfolds:
Root Cause Resolution: Physiotherapy aims to identify and address the underlying causes of your condition. Whether it’s improving movement patterns, or building muscle strength, this step is crucial for thorough recovery.
Building Resilience: Strengthening targeted muscle groups and tissues prevents recurrence and builds resilience. Personalised exercise programmes often form the cornerstone of this phase.
Sustained Wellness: The ultimate goal is to promote long-term health and prevent future injuries. This involves not only managing symptoms but also enhancing overall physical fitness and quality of life.
The Interconnection of Feeling and Getting Better
Feeling better and getting better are interconnected parts of your physiotherapy journey. While immediate relief provides the motivation and comfort needed to continue, it is not a long term solution. Commitment to active rehab strategies ensures the improvements you make are enduring. Your physiotherapist will devise a personalised plan that adapts to your evolving needs and goals, supporting both aspects of recovery simultaneously.
