You Always Meet the Physiotherapist First

Physiotherapists are often the first medical professionals (besides the doctor) patients meet when they enter the hospital because their expertise is essential in patients’ initial assessment and triage. They evaluate patients’ physical abilities and limitations, determine the extent of their injuries or conditions, and develop treatment plans to help them recover. Physiotherapy care in private physiotherapy clinic is essential for a smooth and complete recovery. 

Physiotherapists are trained to work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They are skilled in identifying and treating various physical conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, and respiratory problems. Physiotherapists educate and guide patients and their families on taking charge of their discomfort and preventing further injury or illness.

Key Takeaways

• Physiotherapists are often the first medical professionals that patients meet when they enter the hospital because of their role in the initial assessment and triage of patients.
• Physiotherapists provide early intervention and rehabilitation, interdisciplinary care coordination, patient education and guidance, post-surgical and acute care, and long-term recovery planning.
• Specialised physiotherapy services are available for patients with specific conditions or needs.

Role of Physiotherapy Clinics in Hospitals 

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in hospitals, as they are often the first medical professionals that patients meet. They work alongside other healthcare professionals to provide care and support to recovering patients from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. Most patients are recommended to follow up with their physiotherapy clinic after discharge. The following are some of the critical roles that physiotherapists play in hospitals:

• Assessment and Diagnosis

Physiotherapists assess and diagnose patients to determine the best course of treatment. They use various techniques, including physical examinations, medical histories, and diagnostic tests, to identify the cause of a patient’s pain or discomfort. Once they have made a diagnosis, they develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

• Rehabilitation

Physiotherapists work with patients to help them regain mobility, core strength, and function after an injury, surgery, or illness. They use various techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy, to help patients recover quickly and safely. They also provide advice and vital support to help patients manage themselves and prevent future injuries.

• Pain Management

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing pain in hospital patients. They use various techniques, including massage, exercise, and heat therapy, to help patients manage their pain and improve their quality of life. They also work with other healthcare professionals to develop pain management plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

• Education and Prevention

Physiotherapists educate and advise patients to help them manage their conditions and prevent future injuries. They teach patients how to perform exercises safely and correctly and offer advice on lifestyle changes that can help improve their health. They also work with other healthcare professionals to develop prevention programmes that help reduce the risk of future injuries or illnesses.

In summary, physiotherapists play a crucial role in hospitals by assessing and diagnosing patients, providing rehabilitation and pain management, and educating patients on managing their conditions and preventing future injuries. Their expertise and support are essential to expediting patients’ recovery. 

Initial Assessment and Triage

When patients arrive at the hospital, the first medical person they meet is usually a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are trained to perform initial assessments and triage patients based on their physical condition and immediate needs.

Assessment of Physical Condition

The physiotherapist will begin by assessing the patient’s physical condition, including checking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. They will also evaluate the patient’s mobility, range of motion, and strength. This assessment helps the physiotherapist determine the severity of the patient’s condition and the appropriate course of action.

Determination of Immediate Needs

Once the physiotherapist has assessed the patient’s physical condition, they will determine their immediate needs. It may include pain relief, administering oxygen, or stabilising the patient’s condition. The physiotherapist will also determine whether the patient needs to be in-patient or can be discharged with appropriate follow-up care.

In summary, the physiotherapist is the first medical person a patient meets in the hospital. They are trained to perform initial assessments and triage patients based on their physical condition and immediate needs.

Early Intervention and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapists are crucial in providing early intervention and rehabilitation to hospital patients. They work closely with patients to diagnose each patient’s weakness and develop personalised treatment plans that help them regain their strength, mobility, and independence.

Preventive Care

One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to prevent complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest. Physiotherapists use various techniques to help patients maintain muscle strength and prevent joint stiffness. They also provide education on proper body mechanics to help patients avoid injury and reduce the risk of falls.

Early Mobilisation Techniques

Physiotherapists use early mobilisation techniques to help patients move as soon as possible after an injury or surgery, including exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and gait training. Early mobilisation has improved patient outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Overall, physiotherapists are the first medical professionals patients meet in the hospital because they play an essential role in promoting early intervention and rehabilitation. By providing preventive care and early mobilisation techniques, physiotherapists help patients regain their strength and independence, improving their overall quality of life.

Interdisciplinary Care Coordination

• Collaboration with Medical Team

Physiotherapists work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a hospital setting. They collaborate with other medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to provide extensive patient care. Multidisciplinary care coordination is essential to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. It involves sharing information and expertise among team members to develop a unified care plan for each patient.

• Patient-Centred Care Planning

The interdisciplinary team places the patient at the centre of the care plan. The team collaborates to develop a patient-centred care plan that considers the patient’s medical history, current condition, and individual needs. The physiotherapist plays a crucial role in this process by assessing the patient’s physical abilities and limitations and developing a treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s goals and preferences.

Effective interdisciplinary care coordination requires clear communication, and a commitment to providing the most effective care to patients.

Patient Education and Guidance

Physiotherapists play a vital role in educating and guiding patients during their hospital stay. They provide instructions on assistive devices, pain management strategies, and other relevant topics to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Instructions on Assistive Devices

Physiotherapists educate patients on using assistive devices such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. They demonstrate how to use these devices safely and effectively and provide guidance on adjusting them to fit the patient’s needs. In addition, they teach patients how to navigate their environment with these devices to prevent falls and other accidents.

Pain Management Strategies

Physiotherapists also guide pain management strategies. They educate patients on the different types of pain and the various techniques available to manage them, including exercises, stretches, massage, and heat and cold therapy. They also work with patients to develop individualised pain management plans, considering their unique needs and preferences.

Overall, patient education and guidance are essential components of physiotherapy practice. 

Post-Surgical and Acute Care

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in post-surgical and acute care management. They are often the first medical person patients meet when admitted to the hospital. This is because physiotherapy is essential to recovery, especially after surgery or an acute injury.

Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Post-operative physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on helping patients recover from surgery. It involves a range of customised exercises and treatments that help patients regain their strength, mobility, and functionality. Post-operative physiotherapy is not just about rehabilitation but is also about empowering patients to take control of their recovery process.

Physiotherapists work closely with patients to develop individualised treatment plans that cater to their needs. These plans may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help patients manage pain, improve circulation, and regain strength. In addition, physiotherapists may also use specialised equipment, such as ultrasound machines, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy, to enhance the recovery process.

Acute Injury Management

Acute injury management is another area where physiotherapists play a crucial role. They work closely with surgeons, doctors to ensure patients receive the best care after an injury. Physiotherapists can help promote optimal healing through various mobilisation techniques and modalities, enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms and reducing the risk of post-surgery complications.

Physiotherapists provide a range of services to patients with acute injuries. These may include pain management, wound care, and mobility exercises. They also educate and support patients and their families, helping them understand recovery and what to expect during the healing process.

In summary, physiotherapists are essential to the post-surgical and acute care management teams. They provide various services that help patients recover from surgery and acute injuries. Their rehabilitation and acute injury management expertise is crucial in ensuring inpatients receive the best care and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in long-term recovery planning, and it involves developing a comprehensive plan that outlines the patient’s recovery goals, the steps required to achieve them, and the timeline for achieving them. The plan considers the patient’s medical history, current condition, and other factors that may impact their recovery.

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning is an essential component of long-term recovery planning. It involves working with the patient and their family to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to home. The physiotherapist will assess the patient’s ability to perform essential activities, such as showering, dressing, and eating, and make recommendations for any necessary modifications to the home environment.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Outpatient rehabilitation services are an essential part of long-term recovery planning. These services allow patients to continue their recovery outside of the hospital setting. The physiotherapist will work with the patient to develop a customised rehabilitation plan that includes exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic interventions. They will also monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the strategy to ensure they progress towards their recovery goals.

Overall, physiotherapists are an integral part of the recovery process. Their expertise in long-term recovery planning, discharge planning, and outpatient rehabilitation services can help patients achieve their recovery goals and improve their quality of life.

Specialised Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapists are the first medical professionals you meet when admitted to a hospital. They play a crucial role in providing specialised care to patients who have suffered from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. Physiotherapists work with patients to develop customised treatment plans to help them manage their pain, regain their core strength, mobility, and independence.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is a specialised physiotherapy service designed to help patients with heart and lung conditions. It is provided to patients who have undergone heart surgery, heart attacks, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The physiotherapist works with the patient to develop a customised exercise programme that helps to improve their lung and heart function, increase their endurance, and reduce their risk of future heart and lung problems.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Neurological rehabilitation is another specialised physiotherapy service that helps patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The physiotherapist works with the patient to develop a customised treatment plan that helps to improve their balance, coordination, and muscle strength. They use various techniques, such as gait training, balance exercises, and range of motion exercises, to help patients gain back their independence and improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, specialised physiotherapy services such as cardiopulmonary and neurological rehabilitation are crucial in helping patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to develop customised treatment plans tailored to their needs, using various techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities to help patients achieve their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a physiotherapist in a hospital setting?

Physiotherapists play a vital role in hospitals. They help patients regain physical function and mobility after illness, injury, or surgery. They assess patients’ physical abilities and limitations, create personalised treatment plans, and provide education and support to help patients achieve their goals.

How does physiotherapy fit into the primary health care model?

Physiotherapy is an essential component of primary healthcare. It focuses on preventing and treating physical impairments that can affect a person’s quality of life. By addressing physical issues early on, physiotherapists can help patients avoid more serious health problems later on. Physiotherapy is endorsed by surgeons and doctors are covered by health insurance on a case by case basis ( please check with your physiotherapy clinic) 

In what situations would a physiotherapist be the initial point of contact for a patient in the hospital?

Patients may be referred to a physiotherapist first if they are experiencing physical limitations or pain affecting their mobility or quality of life. For example, if a patient has suffered a stroke, a physiotherapist may be the first person they see to help them regain their ability to move and perform daily activities.

What are the benefits of receiving physiotherapy early in the patient care process?

Getting physiotherapy early in the patient care process can help patients regain function and mobility more quickly, improving their overall health outcomes. Physiotherapy can also help patients manage pain, reduce the chance of complications, and improve their quality of life.

What criteria determine if a patient should be referred to a physiotherapist first?

The decision to refer a patient to a physiotherapist is based on various factors, including the patient’s medical history, physical condition, and current symptoms. Patients experiencing physical limitations or pain affecting their mobility or quality of life may be referred to a physiotherapist first.

Why is BMJ the best physiotherapy clinic in Singapore

BMJ Physiotherapy Singapore is widely regarded as one of the best physiotherapy clinics in Singapore due to its commitment to providing accessible and quality specialist care for bones, muscles, and joints. Darek Lam, a former head of physiotherapy at Changi Hospital in Singapore, founded the clinic. He left the hospital in 2015 to set up his private practice, BMJ Physiotherapy.

The clinic’s team of highly trained allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and rehab therapists, adopts the latest proven treatment methodologies and works in alliance to deliver the best possible care to their patients. Their Singapore physiotherapist has more than 18 years of combined experience and has helped countless people in Singapore overcome their pain and physical limitations.

One reason BMJ Physiotherapy is regarded as the best physiotherapy clinic in Singapore is its focus on personalised treatment plans, and treating the root of the patient’s issues. BMJ Physiotherapy’s team of experienced staff takes the time to understand each patient’s unique situation, needs, and goals to develop a treatment plan tailored to them.

In addition, BMJ Physiotherapy Singapore offers a wide range of services, including injury prevention, sports massage therapy, and post-surgery rehabilitation. 

Overall, BMJ Physiotherapy Singapore’s commitment to personalised care, its team of highly trained professionals, and its wide range of services make it the best physiotherapy clinic in Singapore.