What is Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy helps people reduce pain, improve movement, and return to meaningful activities. At Stride Physio & Performance, we use an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach that recognizes pain and recovery are influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors—not just tissues or structure. [1–4]

​

Our goal is not simply to “fix” a body part, but to help you build confidence, capacity, and understanding so you can move well in daily life, work, and sport.

​

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

Your first appointment includes a comprehensive assessment focused on understanding you—your symptoms, health history, daily demands, and goals. Your physical therapist will assess movement, strength, and function, then work with you to develop a clear and realistic plan for recovery. [2][6][7]

​

We prioritize clear communication and shared decision-making. Findings are explained in plain language, without alarming or fear-based explanations. Research shows that when patients and therapists make decisions together, outcomes and satisfaction improve. [2][8]

​

Treatment plans are individualized and adjusted over time based on your progress, preferences, and response to care.

​

An Active, Education-First Approach

Education is a core component of effective physical therapy. Your therapist will help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, how recovery typically unfolds, and what you can do to manage symptoms independently. [4][10]

​

Most physical therapy programs emphasize active treatments, such as exercise and movement training. Strong evidence supports exercise-based care for improving pain, function, and long-term outcomes across many musculoskeletal conditions. [1][3][5]

 

Exercises are tailored to your abilities and goals, with the aim of helping you become more confident and self-sufficient over time.

​

Supportive Treatment, Used Thoughtfully

Some physical therapy treatments are considered passive, meaning they are applied to you rather than performed by you. When appropriate, these may be used to support comfort, symptom relief, or short-term pain reduction—particularly when symptoms are limiting your ability to move or exercise. [3][5]

​

Passive treatments that may be included as part of care include:

• Manual therapy, such as joint mobilization or manipulation and soft tissue techniques, which may provide short-term pain relief [3][5][11]

• Acupuncture, which may offer modest benefits for some people with persistent pain when combined with active care. [3][5]

• Dry needling, a technique using thin needles in muscle tissue; evidence is still emerging and responses vary. [12]

• Electrical stimulation, which uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles or nerves; current evidence does not strongly support routine use for most conditions. [3]

• Therapeutic ultrasound, which applies sound waves to tissues; research shows limited benefit for many musculoskeletal conditions and it is not routinely recommended. [3]

• Blood flow restriction training, where exercise is performed with a specialized cuff that partially restricts blood flow; this is a newer approach with growing evidence when appropriately prescribed

• ​

These treatments are typically recommended in conjunction with active rehabilitation, activity modification, and other self-management strategies. When used this way, they may help improve comfort or short-term symptom control, making it easier to stay active and engaged in your rehabilitation plan.

​

What the Evidence Tells Us

Current clinical guidelines consistently support physical therapy as a first-line treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain and joint-related problems. [1][3][4]

​

Key findings from the research include:

• Exercise-based physical therapy provides pain relief comparable to medications, without serious side effects [1]

• Staying active leads to better outcomes than rest for low back pain [3][4]

• Early physical therapy can reduce the need for imaging, opioid medications, and surgery [9]

• Supervised, active care is more effective than passive treatments alone [1][3]

​

Meaningful improvement typically occurs over several weeks and depends on active participation both in and outside the clinic.
[1][4]

​

Physical Therapy Is a Partnership

Physical therapy works best when it is collaborative. Asking questions, sharing concerns, and staying engaged in your care all contribute to better outcomes. [2][8]

​

At Stride Physio & Performance, we act as coaches and partners—helping you navigate recovery with clarity, confidence, and evidence-based guidance.