15 Oct 2014
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Generally speaking if you are taking recommendations from others, which is a great way to make the choice around WHO you should see, it is best to source WHY that person believes you should see their said guru. You may find that they have had a poor history with the professionals that you need to see the most or that they had their sprained ankle fixed when you have a thyroid imbalance. The point being their ‘guy’ may not be what you need right now
We’ve compiled a short breakdown of the main roles/fields of study for the most common health practitioners available. The skills, knowledge and qualifications of each professional differs based on where they studied, how long they’ve been in the industry and the further education they have undertaken since finishing their formal studies. Many of these professions are very complimentary of one another; therefore it is advisable to find the best person or combination that works best for your body. Below is a general synopsis of each role and the basics around what they cover. Remember your Evo will have local recommendation for your Klik’s area so if you would like a great place to start don’t hesitate to ask.
Physiotherapists- generally addresses acute musculoskeletal injuries with inflammation and pain as well as correcting chronic imbalances from poor long-term movement patterns and postures. They often prescribe specific exercises to aid with recovery as well as manual handling and manipulation to restore the movement in the muscles and joints concerned.
See a Physio if you have a new injury that has excessive bruising, swelling and pain, if you have long term pain in joints that you can’t shake, if you have old injuries that are creating compensatory movement patterns and therefore tension in other places than the original injury.
Chiropractors- Use manual and manipulative therapy for the treatment of joint dysfunction that is impacting on the neuromuscular-skeletal system. It is the Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve function that allow the body to self regulate, heal and rebuild day after day. Our bones and joints act as protection for our nerves to pass through and service our muscles and ligaments and it is the skull, spine and pelvis that carry most of the protective burden. If these joints become misaligned it can have a profound impact on the normal health of the body.
See a Chiro- for joint alignment, neural symptoms such as repeat headaches and migraines, tingling in legs or arms, for Emotional/ Behavioral disorders or if you are simply seeking more energy, vitality and as a preventative health care.
Massage therapists- Manipulate the superficial and deep layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process of injuries, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, and enable muscle relaxation. It can also be beneficial to those with lymphatic or digestive issues. There are many different methods of massage ranging from a deep tissue sports treatment to a relaxing Swedish massage.
See a massage therapist if you have chronic or acute muscle stiffness as a one off or for even better results on a regular basis in conjunction with either treatment above.
Exercise Physiologist- focus on the acute responses and chronic adaptations to a range of physical conditions and diseases. They focus on how exercise can reduce or reverse disease progression by tailoring a program specifically for the patient’s abilities and weaknesses. They often work in conjunction with GP’s and Physio’s once the patient has overcome the most acute phase of healing and require a more structured eagle eye on the patient’s response to specific exercise.
See an Exercise Physiologist if you have a specific medical condition or injury that is affected by exercise and requires a deeper understanding of the condition such as diabetes and heart conditions, have long term chronic pain or are in need of injury rehabilitation
Acupuncturist- penetrates the surface of the skin with thin needles that stimulate specific points of the body to correct imbalances and flow within the body. It is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal technique that aims to treat a range of conditions such as pain relief, emotional disorders, fertility issues and behavioral complaints.
See an Acupuncturist for any of the above complaints or as a part of a healthy lifestyle maintenance program in conjunction with other health modalities.
Herbalist/ Naturopath- offers a wide range of natural alternatives to the traditional treatment of illness and disorders. Naturopaths use non invasive methods of treatment which is based of getting the individual back to and maintaining full vitality by figuring out how the body is reacting to the stimuli within their environment and addressing the cause of the illness rather than treating the actual illness with medication. They use a range of holistic practices ranging from diet and lifestyle counseling to herbal and homeopathic remedies.
See a Naturopath is you would prefer a natural approach to healing, if you are having trouble getting to the crux of an illness or if you would like to restore extra vitality following a heavy/toxic treatment method.
General Practitioners- manage acute and chronic illness that present in an undifferentiated way at an early stage of development and may require urgent attention. They have a general knowledge of how our body should be functioning and look for signs of dysfunction to treat. They are often the first port of call and can be a great start to find a more specific caregiver for your condition or illness. Many GP’s study specialist fields and can offer a deeper analysis of your conditions- such a reproduction, mental health and intestinal health
See a GP if you need urgent attention to something health related, don’t know where else to start or have a long and trusted history with a GP who knows your body very well.