Medical technology has come a long way and has become an essential tool for guiding health professionals on how to heal the body. Medical images show exactly where the body is impacted, which allows professionals to find the source of the problem. Once doctors analyze the images, they can provide recommendations. Each type of image offers a unique view of the body and is used to identify various conditions that may require physiotherapy. The types of images you can receive include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. X-rays are used to examine bones and detect fractures. MRIs provide detailed images of body tissues and reveal any abnormalities. CT scans are used to assess bone pathologies and soft tissue dysfunctions. If a doctor sees something that needs to be healed, they might recommend physiotherapy. Providing a physiotherapist with all medical documents such as medical images and recommendations can assist with the healing process. It is important to provide as much information as possible so you can get the best results.
Figure 1. Displays some of the exercise equipment that can be used during your session. Weights and resistance bands are great tools in the early stages.
Importance of Physiotherapy in Post-Injury Rehabilitation
Physiotherapists are not trained to interpret medical images, but they can follow a physician’s guidelines based on these images. It is important to bring these recommendations to ensure that the body heals at an appropriate pace. Knowing when to bear weight and when to perform non-weight-bearing exercises is crucial in the healing process. Examples of some equipment that may be used in the early stages are displayed in Figure 1. We take your health seriously at Health Bound and want to be able to provide you with the best service possible. The medical images are a great tool for the physiotherapist to observe the location and severity of the injury. This is where Health Bound is here to help. Our physiotherapists are able to guide you throughout the healing process and provide you with exercises to do at home and in the clinic. We are here to give you all the tools you need to be able to have the best results possible. Doing the exercise as homework and following instructions from both your physician and physiotherapist will be very beneficial in the healing process.
Figure 2. A physiotherapist will assess your injury and see how mobile you are. Manual therapy can be done to help with movement and stretching.
As treatment is going on, the physiotherapist is able to write down the progress and can make alterations if needed throughout the treatment. Getting stronger during the healing process will occur at different times for everyone. It is important to listen to your body and let the physiotherapist know what you are feeling so they can safely guide you in the right direction. Once you are able to get your function back, the physician will be able to provide you with an estimated time for healing and what to do during different stages. Depending on your injury, there will be different recommendations for each patient. As seen in Figure 2, a physiotherapist will assess the body to see how your mobility is changing during each session. If required, doctors can provide notes to other physicians to see how the healing is going and determine if surgery or other devices are needed to help with the overall function recovery.
Figure 3. Displays the support of a physiotherapist during a strengthening exercise. At the beginning of recovery, typically a considerable amount of support is required and gradually decreases as mobility improves over time.
Medical images are not essential for physiotherapists to do their job but they do assist in the process. The main focus of a physiotherapist is to help you gain your function and mobility back in the safest way possible. It is crucial to go to a physiotherapist after a cast is taken off, healing after surgery, or possibly even after a car accident. It is important to be guided by a professional during your healing process so that you can regain as much mobility back as possible before you lose any ability too. The initial period after an accident is particularly critical for recovery. Seeking medical attention promptly after an accident is essential for your overall health and long-term well-being. Timely tests and early detection of medical issues lead to the best possible outcomes.
There is a lot of redirection from physicians to physiotherapists when it comes to looking at medical imaging. Once a fracture, sprain, or back pain for example is noticed by your physician they will usually recommend physiotherapy for the healing process. Health Bound Health Network has many physiotherapists to assist you along the way. We have many physiotherapists in different areas such as Barrie, Markham, Toronto, Etobicoke, and Hamilton. Our services are CARF Certified and prove how we excel in our practice. Health Bound wants to provide practitioners who will listen to your needs and provide you with the tools you need to heal with your strongest potential. We want you to be able to get your life back on track, doing normal activities with ease.
Figure 4. Taping is sometimes provided to patients when the physiotherapist recommends it. Different parts of the body can be taped, this image shows the back as the focus.
Physiotherapy will result in doing a lot of exercises that focus on the body parts that have been impacted and need assistance. It is important to be guided through how to approach the exercise routine so that you do not get hurt or cause secondary issues. The exercises are there to help you restore mobility and recover strength and imbalances. Figure 4, displays how taping can sometimes be provided if the physiotherapist thinks it could assist you. Your physiotherapist will be able to focus on muscle groups that are lacking in strength and provide you with education on what is going on and how to fix it. We are here to guide you through the whole process and support you through the treatment plan. Figure 3, shows an example of doing an exercise with resistance bands together. Follow-up appointments are important to do, as well as the homework given. Physicians do not prescribe exercise, but they will recommend physiotherapy to be able to target the problem areas in the body. Being diagnosed and identifying the problem first will guide you in a direction that can help. Different scans are good for different results.
Figure 5. This X-ray shows screws holding the spin in place after surgery. Depending on recommendations, physiotherapy will usually be needed during the recovery process.
As mentioned before, X-rays are great for providing details on what is going on with bones, giving clear images of if you have a fracture, dislocation, misalignments, or narrow joint spaces. X-rays are great to bring in to give a clear picture of what is going on. X-rays are even able to display the condition of the lungs. Depending on what is going on, the physician will recommend imaging. However, when working with a surgeon, there might be a longer process of healing. The X-rays might change by needing screws and/or rods for more support. Figure 5, displays an example of screws in the spine of a patient after surgery. If this is the case, the surgeon may recommend keeping screws and/or rods in you long term, and sometimes they are removed. At this point, the surgeon will provide recommendations on what to do to make sure the healing is going well. Having a team of professionals and investing in your health is important as close to the incident as possible to allow for the healing to start early with the best results.
Bringing the images to your initial appointment will help the creation of the treatment plan. CT scans can show where some fractures are. X-Rays cannot always pick up small fractures, which is why CT scans are important. MRI’s are great for spotting cartilage loss, nerve compression and joint inflammation. Both images are helpful to physiotherapists to see where the issues are stemming from. The more information you bring to your initial appointment, the better.
Health Bound Health Network is here to support you on your healing journey. We want to be able to provide you with all the knowledge and tools to help you become stronger after an injury. Please do not hesitate to contact us to book your initial appointment! Below is the contact information for each location. If email is easier, please email us at [email protected].
Toronto – 909 Pape Ave – 416-548-7872
Markham – 4331 14th Ave – 416-850-8558
Etobicoke – 3250 Bloor Street West Unit #111 – 416-236-7778
Barrie – 65 Bell Farm Road – 416-519-3727
Hamilton – 240 James St S – (416) 716-4160
By: Maria Votsis
References:
CT Scan Versus MRI Versus X-Ray: What Type of Imaging Do I Need? | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists – Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com)
Expanding the practice of physiotherapists (irpp.org)
MRI vs CT Scan: What’s the Difference? | Insight Medical Imaging (x-ray.ca
Record Keeping Standard – College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (collegept.org)
The Role of Medical Imaging in Physical Therapy – OrthoBethesda
X-Rays – Physiopedia (physio-pedia.com)
Photo References:
A Doctor Looking at an X-ray · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Physiotherapist Exercising Patient Leg · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Physiotherapist at Work · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Physiotherapist Working with Patient Leg · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Screws In Xray Photos, Download The BEST Free Screws In Xray Stock Photos & HD Images (pexels.com)
Set of fitness equipment placed on marble surface · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)