2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

Physiotherapists in the Military
There is a myth that’s been circulating since the rise of the health care
industry that cannot be sugar coated: ‘Physiotherapists are devils in
disguise’.
Every person has overheard a vicious rumour or seen these fit elite
athletes (likened to PTIs) without the red and white attire, and avoid
them like a deadly plague. It’s only when an injury occurs that the MO
dictates the need for a physio session… that is when the
‘psychological’ trauma sets in.
The designated appointment rapidly approaches, your palms begin to
sweat and little thoughts begin racing around and mingling with your
everyday actions. After what seems like eternity, the physiotherapist
approaches you to begin the session. Rapid and precise Q & A relating
to the nature and history of the injury leave a misguided sense of
security, but the myth quickly returns. Next, you are observed and
recorded, muscle length and strength testing, joint range of movement
and restriction analysis.
Instantly the physiotherapist identifies the origin of pain, applying
precise pressure to the area, waiting for you to yelp with validation.
Moving quickly to strike, the devil in disguise commences a variety
of treatment techniques ranging between joint mobilisation,
bio-mechanical education, stretching and, ignoring comfort for remedy,
massage. As the session ends, you are then provided with a home
exercise program and another appointment with this so called ‘devil’.
‘Physiotherapists are devils
in disguise’
Contrary to favoured belief, physiotherapists are more than pain
inflictors. The most important component of physiotherapy is self
management. While we can dig into those sore, tight muscles and give
them a work over, or mobilise stiff joints, it is really up to the individual
to comply with the home exercise program which may include stretches,
strengthening exercise and sometimes all the body needs is some rest!
At 1HSB there are presently four Military and five Civilian physios,
offering varied degrees of experience, from University graduate to
20 years, including several with masters degrees. Hydrotherapy and
core exercise classes have regular attendance on alternate mornings
and with constant referrals between physio and PTIs, rehabilitation
programs are well tailored to individuals. We have two physios on
deployment and we Excercises during Talisman Sabre in 2009.
Remember, next time you get a referral from the MO and your palms
start sweating, physiotherapy is not all about the massages…. and we
are not always the devil, as physiotherapy does come to an end.
By: LT Caitlin Scott, Physiotherapist at 1HSB
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PAUL-3
Distributed by: Bosco Medical Australia Pty Ltd
Toll Free Phone: 1800 026 726 www.boscomed.com.au
PAUL-3
2 0 P A U L AT I M – M A GAZINE O F T HE R OYA L A U S T R A L I A N A R M Y M E DICAL C O R P S – 2 0 1 0