If you are interested in physiotherapy, you should know that it is highly likely for a physiotherapist to ask whether or not you are a smoker, and many patients wonder why this question is relevant to their treatment.
Most people know about the negative health effects of smoking on the heart and lungs but do not realize the negative effects on the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of the muscles and bones of the body. This means smoking is harmful to the cardiovascular system and the musculoskeletal system, both of which can severely become damaged.
Those who smoke will also experience longer healing times because the body will struggle to make the collagen needed to close wounds. Smokers will experience decreased muscle strength because the nicotine will cause damage to skeletal muscle, resulting in less muscle mass and strength. Increased risk of rotator cuff tears is another problem your physiotherapy will consider because smokers are at a higher risk of sustaining a rotator cuff tear, which can also be larger in size when compared to those who do not smoke. Lower back pain is another condition smokers may experience because they will have poorer disc health, resulting in a higher risk of bulging and injury.
In order for a physiotherapist to treat you properly, they need to know specific pieces of information, including your smoking habits. This will allow them to prescribe the right exercises and any other treatment or technique they think will help with your recovery. They will have a better understanding of your overall health and will proceed with a treatment plan accordingly and discuss the benefits of quitting, which is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
A physiotherapist can help you get back on track and answer any questions you may have about smoking. They will even help you create a plan, so physiotherapy is a great option you can consider. The experts at Dr. Charles Goldman will gladly provide you with more information, so if you are in Meadowvale, contact us today!