Overexertion when practicing a sport often leads to injury, not to mention pain and the potential for improper healing. When that happens, physiotherapy treatments play an important role in recovering from an injury. This branch of medicine offers an alternative to pharmacological treatment and can help to ease physical aches and pains. Further, a proper diagnosis and subsequent physical therapy have the end goal of improving mobility and function as well as alleviating pain, whether acute or chronic.

Physiotherapy and sport

Taking care of your health isn’t always about prevention, and this is especially true in the case of physical therapy. There are many reasons why someone may need physiotherapy treatments, such as for recovery for an accident, for genetic factors or even for management of respiratory or neurological conditions. More often than not, sports injuries or even overexertion can be reason enough to attend physical therapy sessions with a licensed professional.

Athletes have a love-hate relationship with this discipline because while physical therapy is necessary to recover from many injuries, it is also true that the treatment can be painful, lengthy and demanding.

Sport and sport-related injuries can include:

• Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, fractures, torn ligaments or cartilage)
• Orthopedic conditions
• Back and neck pain
• Concussion
• Overuse injuries
• Pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
• Traumatic injuries
• Chronic pain

Physiotherapy treatments: getting started

Remember that physiotherapy is not only about the response to an injury or overuse, but also considered preventative medicine. If you suspect you may need physical therapy, you’ll need to be referred to a specialist. There are a number of ways to access a physical therapist, whether through a private medical insurance policy with a referral from an orthopaedist, or through the Spanish public health system, which will likely result in a slower diagnosis and less frequent treatment plan. Finally, you can also pay out of pocket by finding a private practice.

A physical therapist is a healthcare professional with a university degree and ample practical hours. They are trained to assess the extent of an athlete’s injuries and then come up with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, guiding the injured party through the process.

As discussed in the specialised blog, Vitonica, the initial physical therapy assessment should be thorough, since detecting all of the problems that can be addressed by physiotherapy is essential for the treatment to satisfy the athlete’s needs and achieve positive outcomes. The techniques take time and should not be rushed.

Treatment process

Depending on the diagnosis, short, medium and long-term goals may be set, and the therapy may include passive techniques (massage, moving, stretching, special manual techniques) and active ones (exercises to be done during the sessions and at home). As you progress, the goals may be adjusted and if that is the case you will have to take time to gauge the changes, i.e., to evaluate the treatment to see whether it is having the intended effects.

Treatment may include any combination of stretching or exercise, as well as other therapeutic modalities, such as massage or joint mobilization, electrotherapy, heat or cold therapies, hydrotherapy, or even education to help restore health and prevent further injury. These approaches are nearly always tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

Note that you will also play a very important role in your own recovery by following the instructions you are given regarding recovery, physical exercise and other treatments as prescribed.

Physiotherapy in Spain

According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadísitca – Spain’s national statistics institute – nearly 40% of men (39.7%) and over 35% (35,5%) of women over the age of 16 said they exercise at least three times a week, according to a 2022 study that regular analyzed physical activity. Be it as a result of injury or because of overexertion, there are more than 62,000 registered and licensed physical therapists in Spain – about 6,8% of all medical professionals in the country.

Is physiotherapy included in insurance?

In many cases, yes, physical therapy is included in your insurance in the Spanish social security system, though you Will have to first see your GP for a recommendation to see a specialist. This process can often be long because of increased wait times. Paying out of pocket can be costly, especially if you cannot assess how many appointments you may need ahead of time.

Consider adding physical therapy coverage to your insurance plan, especially if you are active or even practice extreme sports. This is often an add-on option, but it won’t cost much to have the help when you need it most.

What does Caser Expat Health’s coverage include when it comes to physiotherapy?

A specialty like physiotherapy treatment helps guarantee that you have medical attention in the event of a sports injury or even an accident, both for recovery but also to prevent further or future damage. Luckily, a lot Caser Expat Insurance’s customizable health insurance plans can be combined with a physical therapy insurance coverage.

There are several huge advantages to having this included in your individual or family insurance plan, including:

• Immediate attention from a large network of the best professionals – many of whom will speak your language to best assist you;
• Full, comprehensive recovery plan, beginning with a full diagnosis and assessment to best take care of your injuries;
• Coverage for treatment during the entire process, with no limit to the number of sessions it takes to obtain optimal health;
• Access to physical therapy sessions from your home (in most cases) via Centro Médico Caser means more time in your day with the guarantee of top-notch care.
  
  

Note that all physical therapy must be first written off by one of Caser’s doctors.

Start by calculating a monthly insurance quote for you (or for you and your entire family!) and take into consideration the network of doctors (and perhaps what language they speak!), proximity to your home or office and coverage options for the people who matter most to you.

Physical activity can bring about injuries, of course, but it is also one of the best ways to add longevity and improve your overall health. So, lace up your sneaks and get outside for a walk or cycle, knowing that your optimal health is Caser’s ultimate goal. You can check out or health guide for active people below: