What do physiotherapists do?
So you have an injury. Who do you go see? A doctor? A chiropractor? A physio?
If you’re thinking about visiting a physiotherapist and were wondering what we do, here’s your answer!
Being a physio is an interesting profession largely due to the fact that the job itself has many facets.
In addition, being a great physio is even more difficult, and while it may come easily to some, to others, they have to work tirelessly to become the best in their field. Physiotherapist and director at Back In Motion Wantirna South Adrian Persi (pictured below) tells us what he does during a normal working day.
A day In the life of a physio
My day generally starts before I even get to work, usually in the car on the way. I start thinking about what my day will consist of.
As I arrive at work, I sit down at my desk and proceed to analyse my diary for the day to see who I’ll be torturing…. I mean, treating that day. Other than reminding myself of what injuries clients are coming in with, I honestly just can’t wait just to chat or gloat to a few clients about how great Hawthorn was in the Grand Final.
Treating clients
Assessing and treating clients is the most important aspect of my day. So as I take clients in, my priority is to ensure I follow up with the progress of their injury, discuss the ups and downs experienced since I last saw them and offer the reassurance that sometimes with healing of injuries, things don’t always travel in a straight line.
I personally like to make sure all clients have a clear picture of what is going on with their body or injury specifically, so where appropriate, I will spend quite a bit of time explaining the injury and expected outcomes.
When it comes to treatment, I need to decide the best course of action for that session based on the injury and how things are responding: Joint mobilisations, massage, manipulation, exercise, ultrasound, stretching, taping, and many more options including whether or not the client needs anything to take home to help themselves.
At that point I’m interested in getting to know the person in front of me. Everyone has a unique story and life and for me that is a part of my job I love.
Lastly I make sure I’ve answered any questions and leave the client with some specific advice on how to manage until I see them next, which is often just as important as the time I’ve just spent with them.
Assessing the new client
Having a new client book in is always a unique experience and even after a number of years treating it is a bit of a thrill. The thoughts of “I wonder what they might be coming in with”, “will it be a complex injury or something basic?” inevitably enter my mind and the excitement of meeting someone new and starting a new relationship is always great. I love the opportunity to help influence someone’s life for the better.
In that session if I can meet their expectations, impart some words of wisdom and see them off better than they walked in knowing exactly what their problem is and how I’m going manage it – I’ve succeeded.
What else to physios do?
I often get asked, “What else do you do?”
Thankfully my workplace is very diverse in that I don’t just get people into a consult room all day every day. I get involved in Clinical Exercise, personal training, massage, exercise classes and other forms of therapy. And that’s just what I’d do within the clinic.
On top of clinic work we have outside affiliations in the community, so often I will be out at local doctor clinics consulting or meeting doctors. With our sporting club affiliations (Football clubs, Gym’s, Crossfit studio) I’ll often take the time out to get to training sessions and advise on injuries and training modification if required.
Last, but definitely not least, being a physio and wanting to help as many people as possible (something I can’t do if people aren’t walking through the door) I get out in the community and promote myself and the clinic. We need to let people in the wider community knowing who we are, what we do and what sets us apart from others. Then we just need to deliver of course…..
Adrian Persi – Physiotherapist and Director, Back In Motion Wantirna South
Adrian is Back In Motion Wantirna South’s ‘veteran’ physiotherapist and the ultimate “go to” man when in need of some friendly advice, whether it is in regards to an injury, a personal situation, or simply his footy tips for the weekend. Adrian leads an enthusiastic team and strives to offer all clients to the clinic the best service possible. His special interest areas of treatment are sporting and spinal injuries.
Are you curious about a career in physio with Back In Motion?
If you’re interested in find out more about a career with Back In Motion Health Group why not explore the job opportunities we have as a treating physiotherapist, including our physio internships, cadetships and graduate program or the opportunity to own your own Back In Motion practice.