“Active physiotherapy engages the patient in their rehabilitation plan.”
Have you ever heard the term “active physiotherapy” and wondered what that meant? You aren’t alone! Active physiotherapy is an approach to treatment that actively engages the patient in their rehabilitation, which empowers the patient and allows them to learn how to better manage their injury. Let’s take a look at the difference between passive and active physiotherapy, and how they benefit your recovery.
Passive Physiotherapy
This involves no muscle engagement or movement by the patient, and can be used in acute stages of recovery or when pain prevents movement. Passive physiotherapy can be effective when used appropriately, but should not be the sole focus of your recovery. We utilize passive physiotherapy as an adjunct treatment to active physiotherapy, and some examples of this include:
Heat & ice - effective at reducing pain and discomfort.
Dry Needling - targets myofascial trigger points, connective tissue, and the nervous system in order to treat injuries and dysfunctions.
Manual therapy - the physiotherapist uses their hands to target specific soft tissue and joints to improve function.
Joint mobilizations - passive movement of a skeletal joint with the goal of decreasing pain, stiffness, and improving mechanics of a joint.
Active Physiotherapy
This actively involves the patient in movement, and empowers them to take control of their recovery. It allows the patient to strengthen muscles, gain mobility, learn proper movement patterns, and how to manage their injury at home. We help you get the most out of your physiotherapy visits, by providing you techniques to do at home that you can do to manage your condition or injury. Some examples of active physiotherapy include:
Therapeutic exercise - These involve pain management, mobility, strength, and endurance exercises. We work with you to find ways to fit these into your busy life and schedule, and make sure you have the proper equipment to perform them at home. This is known as self-management techniques, and are key to your recovery.
Active manual therapy - you work with the physiotherapist to move with or against them to help improve strength and function.
Research shows the effectiveness of active physiotherapy, and how exercises can improve outcomes and reduce pain. Physical activity is also shown to improve quality of life and overall wellbeing, so come in and get moving! We promise you won’t regret it!
