At press, 2021 is pretty much in the books with NYE just days away. This marks a perfect time to look back at the top stories from the world of physiotherapy. But instead of our audience being those from within the industry, we dedicate this to YOU. After all, it’s you, a friend or family member that you’re searching for information about physiotherapy services for. So without further adieu, here’s your year in review.
Top 3 Stories from 2021 Regarding Physiotherapy You Need to Know About
I. Physiotherapy’s Proven Role in COVID Recovery
In 2020 physiotherapy was first employed to help treat hospitalized COVID patients, providing them not only with mobility exercises to prevent muscle atrophy, but to also assist with respiratory function. In 2021 the discipline was leveraged even further to assist longterm post-COVID ailments such as persistent fatigue, breathlessness, and muscle weakness. As we enter 2022, physiotherapy is now considered a critical health care service in the COVID recovery process. For this field, there isn’t a much larger headline than that.
II. Physiotherapy Now More Accessible Thanks to ICBC Enhanced Care Program
On May 1 of 2021, ICBC rolled out its highly anticipated Enhanced Care auto insurance program, also known as “no fault” insurance. While discussion about liability claim implications are certainly beyond the scope of this year-end news brief, there is absolutely one major benefit that applies to this article, and you. Under the new program, those who have suffered an automobile accident injury are now able to access physiotherapy services for as long as it takes to recover, with the cost being covered by ICBC (on successful claims). View more on the ICBC update and how it affords you open access to physiotherapy care.
III. Physiotherapy = Great Sex
What’s a year-end headline without the word “Sex” in it? But unlike with grocery store tabloids, we’re not here to drop gossip on the matter. Instead we’re drawing attention to the fact that physiotherapy has been referenced in the media quite frequently through 2021 in regards to its capacity to improve the sex life of women (and their companions, as a result). This is namely accomplished via pelvic floor work. As a women’s health specialist, we’ve discussed the benefits of physiotherapy for pelvic floor dysfunction in great detail here, but allow us to share a few quotes from the mainstream in 2021:
“It works with the hip muscles to stabilize your body, is embedded with circular muscles called sphincters that help control things going in and out of your body, aids in sexual arousal, and provides a kind of safety or protection mechanism when you’re experiencing fear, anxiety or stress” (Philadelphia Magazine)
“Other changes in menopause can include decreased muscle mass in the pelvic floor, especially in the levator ani, the muscles that contract during an orgasm. Physiotherapy and exercises can help in these cases” (The Walrus)
“Beyond Kegels: The Pelvic Floor Is Finally Getting the Attention It Deserves” (VOGUE)
The news stories above are a clear indicator regarding the benefits of physiotherapy. Make physio a part of your health and wellness plan for 2022 and beyond. If you live in the Greater Vancouver area schedule a new year consultation at our Burnaby BC clinic today.