Preventative vs. Reactive Physiotherapy

Momentum Physiotherapy Blog Post

Author: Elizabeth Anderson, MPT – Student

Most people only think of going to physiotherapy AFTER an injury or discomfort has entered their life. What most people don’t know are the benefits of PREVENTATIVE physiotherapy.

Reactive Care:

Reactive care focuses on treating the acute (sudden) symptoms. Reactive care happens in environments such as the family doctor’s office for a head cold, casting of a limb post fracture or seeing a physio after rolling an ankle.

Preventative Care:

Preventative care happens when there are no symptoms present. It’s intended to prevent common injuries, increase overall strength, help manage symptoms of chronic conditions and reduce the risk of recurrence of injuries.

Preventative care can look like:

  • Monthly physiotherapy visits to review strengthening programs.
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy eating
  • Stress relieving activities: meditation, yoga, mindfulness walks, etc.

As we age, preventative care is also intended to help ease the natural changes in the body. It can help improve arthritis symptoms, increase blood circulation, improve range of motion, loosen tight muscles etc.

Examples of preventative exercises