A physiotherapist examining the back of a male patient

Why Physiotherapy is Important in Singapore

Where do you go when you fall ill? You head to the nearest medical centre for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The same goes when you feel strains, tears, and injuries that can affect your overall well-being – you go for physiotherapy treatment here in Singapore. Physiotherapy is a form of treatment that helps in the recovery from injuries and other physical ailments. It is also used to improve a person’s general health and fitness that is conducted by a trained professional or with the help of machines or other equipment. That said, physiotherapy has several benefits, making it an important part of the island’s healthcare system. Let’s explore the importance of physiotherapy in Singapore and the advantages it offers.

Importance of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that aims to restore an individual’s functional ability and quality of life by assessing, diagnosing and treating impairments. It is a profession based on treating physical, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders. In Singapore, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in healthcare because it helps rehabilitate patients who have undergone surgery or are recovering from an injury. It can help to reduce and manage pain, improve mobility, minimise the build-up of scar tissue, increase strength and improve joint flexibility, among many others. And the best thing about physiotherapy is that it can be done at home or work with physiotherapists’ help. The benefits of physiotherapy includes: 

1. Improving Pain Management

In any case of injury, regardless of its severity, your ability to tolerate pain generally declines with age, which is why you will often find yourself unable to suppress how you feel about it.

But physiotherapy can help with pain management and improve your quality of life, allowing you to resume your daily activities, sports and hobbies quickly. That way, you can rely less on your loved ones and become more independent.

2. Improving Range of Motion

If you suffered from an injury that is affecting your range of motion, physiotherapy is your best option for improving your physical ability to perform your activities. This is also why physiotherapy is often recommended for joint surgery patients.

For instance, if you suffered from a frozen shoulder and had to undergo surgery, your doctor will likely encourage you to follow your physiotherapy plan to improve your range of motion and prevent stiffness and pain in your shoulder.

3. Preventing Build-up of Scar Tissue

When your wound is healing after an injury or surgery, it is natural for scar tissue to form around it. But, prolonged inactivity can cause the build-up of scar tissue, which can cause you to feel some pain and tightness around the wound.

This is why physiotherapists recommend various stretching exercises while teaching you other manual techniques to prevent the build-up of scar tissue. At the same time, it helps to ensure that scar tissue formation doesn’t impede your rehabilitation.

4. Improving Joint Flexibility

If you recently underwent surgery involving your joints, your doctor will likely include physiotherapy as part of your post-surgical treatment. In fact, your physiotherapist will assign several exercises that can help improve your joint flexibility at home.

This is because regular stretching exercises are essential after joint surgery to maintain your joint’s pre-surgical flexibility and range of motion. At the same time, you don’t want your joints to feel stiff and dormant after the surgery.

4. Improving Joint Flexibility

If you recently underwent surgery involving your joints, your doctor will likely include physiotherapy as part of your post-surgical treatment. In fact, your physiotherapist will assign several exercises that can help improve your joint flexibility at home. This is because regular stretching exercises are essential after joint surgery to maintain your joint’s pre-surgical flexibility and range of motion. At the same time, you don’t want your joints to feel stiff and dormant after the surgery.

5. Post Surgery Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy can be considered essential in helping patients recover from surgeries as it aids in the restoration of functional ability, reduces pain, improves mobility, and prevents further complications. Following surgical procedures, physiotherapy is often prescribed to enhance the healing process and promote a quicker return to normal activities. 

Why is Physiotherapy Important After an Injury?

Physiotherapy is an essential component of rehabilitation after an injury. It helps in the recovery of functional capacity and independence, and also reduces the risk of secondary complications.

Depending on your situation, your physiotherapist can have a different goal for you. For instance, they may teach you how to strengthen your leg muscles after surgery or help you learn how to walk again after a stroke. During your initial consultation, our experienced Physiotherapists will assess your condition thoroughly. We will create a customised plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your post-surgery recovery. 

To ensure a smoother recovery, it will be crucial that you work with your physiotherapist as we will create a plan tailored to your individual needs. We will also teach you what exercises to do at home and when it’s time for an appointment again.

Improve Your Quality of Life with Physiotherapy at Benchmark Physio

At Benchmark Physio, we are committed to delivering superior clinical outcomes to improve your quality of life using evidence-based physiotherapy care, as well as a holistic approach through treatments like CFT (Craniofacial Therapy). Learn more about the conditions we treat here.

Meet Our Physiotherapist

Ng Hong Kai, an experienced physiotherapist, has carefully reviewed the information on this page.

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Clinic Director and Chief Physiotherapist​​

  • Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), Curtin University (Australia)
  • Master of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney (Australia)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sports Science), University of Sydney (Australia)
  • Member of Australian College of Physiotherapists and Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Full registration with Allied Health Professions Council, Singapore, and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
  • GEMt Certified Dry Needling Practitioner 

Hong Kai has been practising musculoskeletal physiotherapy for more than a decade. He is the first Singaporean to achieve dual credentials as both an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a tertiary trained Exercise Scientist.

Hong Kai's broad and extensive skillset allows him to create solutions that are simple, effective and tailored to a client’s musculoskeletal needs. His beliefs in continuing education and self improvement led him to complete his Masters in Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), where he had a chance to participate in formal research into knee osteoarthritis under the supervision of world renowned researcher and physiotherapist Prof Peter 0′ Sullivan. 

Hong Kai has experience treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, with a specific focus on addressing lower back, neck, shoulder and knee pain.