The musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems perform a symphony together, making us into living, breathing, moving, thinking beings. We heal from pain and injury through the integrated work of all of these systems. They are all branches on the same tree that makes up you!
Pain and injury, especially once it has become more chronic, are multifactorial in nature. How much each factor plays a role in someone's condition is recovery is going to be different for everyone, but if we don't take time to consider each in someone's recovery, you're more likely to miss something and get stuck.
Holistic care is the best care! I think it is important for every physiotherapist to know a little bit about each system when educating and working with their patient, as well as when it's time to bring the specialties of other professionals into the rehab team. I have done a lot of work over the past few years in continuing with my own education to be able to touch on each of these topics with my patients.
I believe other physiotherapists should do the same before they go down the rabbit hole of courses that get them trying to do things like 'feel' if the L4 facet joint is gliding into extension on L5 in right lumbar rotation. There is enough scientific evidence today to tell us that this doesn't matter (or help much at all) if the person isn't sleeping, eating well, or if they are constantly over-stressed. Feeling stuck, and looking for physiotherapy in Calgary, Alberta? Get in touch or book online here and we will take the time to look at the whole picture, not just an isolated muscle or joint.