Don’t Suffer in Silence! Top Reasons to See a Physio in Singapore

Physio Eric working on his patient.

When to See a Physio In Singapore: 10 Conditions That Need Immediate Attention

Have you ever felt a sharp pain shoot through your leg after a badminton rally? Or maybe your back feels like it’s been holding onto yesterday’s stress long after you’ve clocked out of work. These aches and pains are normal, but sometimes they can be more than minor inconveniences.

Here’s the thing: many Singaporeans mistakenly believe that physiotherapy (Physio) is only for serious injuries or requires a doctor’s referral. But that’s not true! Physiotherapy in Singapore is a science-based healthcare profession focused on treating musculoskeletal conditions – that means anything related to your bones, muscles, and joints.

 

The Wonderful World of Physios Singapore: Beyond the Practice

The word “Physio” can actually refer to two things:

  • The practice: Physiotherapy itself, the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.
  • The profession: A Physiotherapist, the qualified healthcare professional who delivers physiotherapy care.

So, when you hear someone say “Physio Jane” or “Physio David,” they’re referring to a Physiotherapist named Jane or David!

Becoming a Physiotherapist in Singapore

Being a Physiotherapist is a rewarding career path that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. To become a Physiotherapist in Singapore, you’ll need to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from a recognised university. After graduation, you’ll need to register with the Singapore Physiotherapy Association (SPA) and complete a period of supervised practice before becoming a fully qualified Physiotherapist.

Why You Might Meet a Physio First in the Hospital

While doctors diagnose and manage overall health conditions, Physios are often the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal issues in the hospital setting. It is because Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function. They can quickly assess your condition, develop a personalised treatment plan, and help you regain mobility and manage pain immediately. This early intervention from a Physiotherapist can significantly improve your recovery timeline and overall well-being.

So, the next time you hear the word “Physio,” remember that it can refer to both the practice and the dedicated professionals who make it possible!

Physio in Singapore are experts who can help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing the things you love.

Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t that what TCM is for?” Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a great practice, but physiotherapy takes a different approach. Physiotherapy is evidence-based and uses techniques like manual therapy, exercise programmes, and modalities like ultrasound to promote healing and improve mobility. The good news? Physiotherapy can complement TCM treatments for pain relief and a faster recovery.

So, when should you consider seeing a physiotherapist? Here are 10 signs you shouldn’t ignore:

  1. Sudden and Sharp Pain: Did you take a tumble and sprain your ankle? Or you pulled a muscle reaching for that file on the top shelf. Suppose you’re experiencing sudden and sharp pain that significantly limits your mobility. In that case, a physiotherapist can assess the injury, recommend treatment, and help you get back on your feet (or back on the court!) faster.
  2. Persistent Pain: Aching back keeping you from enjoying your morning jog? Or maybe neck pain is making it hard to concentrate at work? If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain in your neck, back, or joints for more than a few weeks and it’s disrupting your daily life, physiotherapy can help.
  3. Post-Surgery Recovery: Going through surgery can be a big deal, and physiotherapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. After surgeries like knee or shoulder replacements, a physiotherapist can design a personalised exercise program to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  1. Sports Injuries: Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a training athlete, sports injuries are common. Physiotherapists are well equipped to handle common sports injuries like:

* **Tennis Elbow:** Pain on the outside of the elbow from repetitive motions.

* **Runner’s Knee:** Pain around the kneecap caused by overuse.

* **Rotator Cuff Tears:** Injuries to the tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.

* **Shin Splints:** Pain along the shinbone from repetitive stress.

Physiotherapists can help manage pain, improve function, prevent future injuries, and get you back to your favourite sport.

  1. Limited Mobility: Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or even neurological issues can limit your ability to move freely. Physiotherapy can help improve your:

* **Flexibility:** Allowing for a wider range of motion in your joints.

* **Strength:** Building muscle strength for better stability and support.

* **Balance:** Reducing the risk of falls and improving overall coordination.

This can help you maintain independence and improve your quality of life.

  1. Pre-Surgery Conditioning: Physiotherapy can be incredibly beneficial Before surgery, especially for bones or joints. Strengthening the muscles around the surgical area can lead to a faster and smoother recovery process.
  2. Scoliosis (Adults and Children): Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Physiotherapy can help manage scoliosis in both adults and children by:

* **Improving posture:** Exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve spinal alignment.

* **Pain management:** Techniques to alleviate discomfort associated with scoliosis.

* **Breathing exercises:** To improve lung capacity potentially affected by scoliosis.

Early intervention with physiotherapy can help manage and potentially slow the progression of scoliosis.

  1. Balance Issues and Fall Prevention: As we age, balance issues and the risk of falls become more common. Physiotherapy can help improve balance and coordination through exercises and targeted training. It can significantly reduce the risk of falls and potential injuries.
  2. Pre and Postnatal Care: Physiotherapy can be beneficial for both pre and postnatal care. During pregnancy, physiotherapists can help alleviate back pain, improve posture, and prepare for childbirth. After delivery, physiotherapy can help with exercises to regain core strength and address pelvic floor issues.
  3. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): RSIs are common in people who perform repetitive tasks at work or home. These can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in muscles and tendons.

Physiotherapy can help manage RSIs by:

* **Identifying the source of the strain:** Assessing your work or home environment and any repetitive motions contributing to the RSI.

* **Providing ergonomic advice:** Recommending proper posture and techniques to minimise strain.

* **Prescribing exercises:** Tailored exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

 

Singapore’s Minister Ong Yee Kung Shares Physiotherapy Journey on TikTok

Singapore’s Minister for Health, Mr Ong Yee Kung, offers a glimpse into his postoperative physiotherapy journey through one of his TikTok videos. Following a recent knee surgery, Mr Ong has diligently followed physiotherapy protocols to regain mobility.

@ongyekung

Since my knee surgery, going for rehab has helped me regain my mobility and strength. These exercises can also help seniors prevent frailty.

♬ original sound – Ye Kung Ong – Ye Kung Ong

In one video, Mr Ong ponders a question that resonates with many recovering from surgery or injury: “Are all these exercises strengthening my muscles so that I can gain mobility, Wouldn’t that also apply to all folks?”

This question highlights a key point about physiotherapy—it’s not just for recovering from surgery. Physiotherapy can immensely benefit people of all ages, especially older adults, by maintaining and improving their strength and mobility.

Mr Ong believes that “these exercises will help our seniors maintain the strength that they have, or even improve on the strength.” That aligns perfectly with BMJ’s mission of promoting health and encouraging preventative measures.

The Power of Physio in Singapore: Success Stories

Physiotherapy isn’t just about fancy equipment and technical terms. It’s about real people getting back to doing what they love. Here in Singapore, many people have benefited from physiotherapy in Singapore. Imagine being able to finally ditch the back pain that’s been plaguing you or getting back to your favorite sport injury-free. That’s the power of physiotherapy!

Modern Science to the Rescue: My Shoulder and BMJ Physio

Physio Eric working on his patient.
Physio Eric working on his patient.

Our patient, Sylvia Chan in her own words : “In the past, whenever there were pains and sprains, a visit to the TCM practitioners was the automatic solution. So, imagine my shock when my shoulder decided to wage war on the rest of me after a seemingly harmless resistance band workout! I wasted no time on my regular TCM session. But after two visits, the pain was still having a sinister laugh, and the acupuncture needles and cupping seemed to be more like cheerleaders for the BURNING sensation in my arm. I learned that the worst kind of pain is RESTING pain, whereby one who DO NOTHING also feels pain. Even the ultra-strong painkillers from my GP only reduced the pain by 20%.

I must confess that I was initially sceptical about visiting a physio, thinking, ” Got use meh? “

Enter BMJ physiotherapy and Physio Eric. He poked, prodded, and put my shoulder through its paces like detectives on a mission to find the culprit behind this “electrical fire” situation. You wouldn’t believe it, but physios can practically x-ray patients with their bare hands, pinpointing exactly where the “wires got crossed” in my arm and really getting to the root cause of the pain. Physios are well versed in human anatomy. To relieve pain, it may not precisely be the painful spot they will target; instead, they can determine the muscles causing or affecting the pain spot and work on it. Another misconception I had was about physio exercises, they are not the kind of exercises we do to lose weight or start the day. Physio exercises are “targeted movements’ that physios prescribe for the patient to actualise pain relief by themselves without oral painkillers.
BMJ’s physiotherapy techniques were a delightful blend of manual therapy, detective work, and customised exercise. The burning sensation finally surrendered, and after just three sessions, my arm was back to its pain-free self.

 

BMJ Physiotherapy: Your Trusted Partner in Singapore

At BMJ Physiotherapy, we have a team of highly experienced physiotherapists in Singapore dedicated to helping you move better and feel better. Our founder, a former head of department at Changi Hospital), leads a team with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping people. We offer a wide range of services, from sports physiotherapy to geriatric care, and have even been featured in media outlets like MSN!

Conclusion and Call to Action

Remember, physiotherapy is a safe and effective way to manage pain, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries. Unlike some misconceptions, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist in Singapore.

Don’t wait for the pain to become your war cry! BMJ Physiotherapy also offers convenient online consultations for a fee of only $20. Our physiotherapists will assess your condition and provide a preliminary diagnosis during this online session. Here are the three possible outcomes:

  1. Minor Injury: If your injury is minor and should heal on its own, our physiotherapists will provide self-care tips to get you back on track.
  2. Physiotherapy Recommended: For injuries that benefit from physiotherapy, we’ll recommend a personalised treatment plan and may suggest scheduling in-person sessions for a faster recovery.
  3. Referral to Doctor: If your injury appears more serious, we will recommend that you see one of our trusted panel doctors for further investigation.

The good news? Physiotherapy fees are claimable under some medical insurance plans. To ensure a smooth claim process, check with your insurer or agent about their specific procedures beforehand.

Take control of your pain today! Schedule your online physiotherapy consultation with BMJ Physiotherapy.

 

 

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