Do I Need to See a Doctor or a Physiotherapist First?

If you have recently sustained an injury or are currently suffering from a painful condition, you are probably wondering which healthcare professional might offer the right treatment for you. In this blog, we are going to look at situations where consulting a physiotherapist might be the best choice, as well as conditions that might instead require the expertise of a doctor.

When to See a Physiotherapist First?

Physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. It is therefore the best choice for the following injuries and conditions:

• The gradual onset of certain painful conditions – Physiotherapy can help diagnose the underlying cause of certain conditions that develop gradually. These include tendinitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis among others.

• Chronic pain – If you suffer from chronic pain, it may be a good idea to see a physiotherapist. They will identify the root cause of your pain and help manage it through techniques such as manual therapy and exercises.

• Neck pain – Physiotherapy is a great way to address neck pain caused by poor posture and muscle strain. It can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and minimize the risk of reoccurrences.

• Joint pain – Physiotherapists can help identify and treat various conditions that are linked to joint pain, including arthritis.

• Sports injuries – A physiotherapist can effectively diagnose and treat injuries sustained during sports and other similar physical activities. A physiotherapist can also help patients with rehabilitation and teach you exercises and techniques to prevent the reoccurrence of these injuries.

When to See a Doctor First?

Depending on their nature and severity, certain injuries and painful conditions might require the attention of a doctor. These include the following:

• Accidents and falls – If you’ve recently had a nasty fall or been in an accident that has left you with serious injuries, we recommend seeing your doctor first to identify potential signs of fractures or internal bleeding.

• The sudden onset of alarming physical conditions – If you’ve suddenly started experiencing extreme pain or other alarming symptoms, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, it’s important that you see a doctor promptly.

• Post-surgical complications – While physiotherapy is very useful for post-surgical rehabilitation, we recommend seeing a doctor if you start to experience sudden pain or other unusual symptoms.

• Muscle pain related to a cold or the flu – It is normal to experience some muscle pain when suffering from a cold or the flu. However, if your pain is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it might be best to see a doctor.

• Internal pain – Pain in the abdomen or chest can sometimes be indicative of certain serious underlying conditions. In such cases, it might be best to see a doctor first.

• Pain unrelated to the muscles or joints – While physiotherapy is a great tool for the management of several painful conditions, we recommend seeing a doctor if you are experiencing pain that it not related to your muscles or joints.

Looking for a Physiotherapist?

Serving patients across BC and Ontario, Back in Motion Health offers physiotherapy treatment for a wide range of painful conditions. Our dedicated team of physiotherapists will work with you to put together a treatment plan tailored to your condition. Book your first appointment with us online to get started at one of our physiotherapy clinics serving Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford and London.