Frequently asked questions about physiotherapy at Dolomiti Physiocenter

A medical prescription is not required to start physiotherapy: you can contact a physiotherapist directly.

During the first assessment, the problem is evaluated and, if any findings suggest that further investigation is needed, a medical or specialist consultation may be recommended.

The first session begins with a discussion to understand the problem, how it has developed, any previous injuries or surgery, and the patient’s goals.

This is followed by a specific functional assessment, which may include tests of mobility, strength, movement control and other clinical evaluations.

Based on the findings, a treatment plan is established and treatment will normally begin during the first appointment.

Individual sessions can last 30, 45 or 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs and the type of treatment.

The most appropriate duration can be agreed when booking the appointment or after the initial assessment.

It is advisable to wear comfortable or sports clothing that allows you to move freely and provides easy access to the area that needs to be assessed.

Depending on the problem, it may be useful to bring shorts, a sleeveless top or clothing that allows the affected area to be easily exposed for the clinical assessment.

Yes, if available.

Diagnostic imaging can provide useful information, particularly after an injury or surgery or when a diagnosis has already been made.

However, imaging findings are always interpreted together with the patient’s symptoms and the clinical assessment, because what appears on an MRI or X-ray does not always directly correspond to the cause of the pain.

To book an appointment, we recommend contacting the Dolomiti Sportclinic directly. Their reception desk is always available and also coordinates appointments for the Dolomiti Physiocenter.

Alternatively, you can contact Ivan directly on 328 4762879 or Carlo on 342 7007618. If they are unable to answer while treating a patient, they may call you back at a later time.

When booking, it is helpful to briefly explain the reason for your request, especially in the case of recent surgery, an injury or a sports-related problem.

An individual physiotherapy session lasts 30, 45 or 60 minutes, with the following prices:

• 30 minutes: €55
• 45 minutes: €75
• 60 minutes: €90

All necessary physiotherapy treatments are included in the session (assessment, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise).

The exceptions are shockwave therapy and Limfa Therapy, which involve a separate additional charge.

Sessions can be conducted in Italian, German, English and Ladin.

This also allows us to easily assist international patients who are temporarily staying in Val Gardena.

Yes.

Many musculoskeletal problems can initially be assessed through the clinical interview and physical examination.

If the assessment reveals findings that require further investigation or specialist evaluation, the patient will be referred to the most appropriate healthcare professional.

We mainly treat orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions.

Commonly treated problems include back and neck pain, shoulder, knee, hip and ankle conditions, tendinopathies, muscle injuries, sports injuries and recovery after surgery.

An important part of our work is dedicated to post-operative rehabilitation and return to sport.

It is advisable to see a physiotherapist when pain, stiffness, weakness or movement limitations interfere with normal daily, work or sporting activities.

Physiotherapy can also be useful after an injury or surgery, or when the aim is to progressively regain full physical capacity.

In many cases, it is possible to start early with strategies that are appropriate for the current stage of the problem.

During the more acute phase, we also have specific therapies aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, helping to improve tolerance to movement and facilitate the initial recovery process.

Treatment is then adjusted according to the symptoms and may begin with low-intensity movements, exercises or techniques before progressing gradually as the condition improves.

No.

Some exercises or treatments may temporarily cause tension or mild discomfort, but pain is not an indicator of how effective the treatment is.

The load is adapted to the condition, the stage of recovery and the patient’s individual response.

It depends on the type of problem, how long it has been present, its severity, the patient’s general condition and the goals to be achieved.

In some cases, improvement may already be noticeable after the first session, while in others progress is more gradual and may require weeks or months of progressive work.

For this reason, the rehabilitation programme is adjusted over time according to the results achieved.

No.

For many musculoskeletal problems, the clinical history and functional assessment already provide enough information to begin treatment.

Diagnostic imaging becomes particularly useful when there is a specific clinical suspicion, after certain injuries or when the course of the problem requires further investigation.

For most cases of low back pain, it is preferable to remain active, while temporarily modifying activities that cause the most pain.

Prolonged bed rest generally does not promote recovery.

Movement and exercise are progressively adapted to the stage of the problem and the individual’s tolerance.

Often, yes.

It is not always necessary to stop sporting activity completely. Whenever possible, the volume, intensity or type of exercise is temporarily modified so that the patient can remain active.

The decision depends on the type of problem, the stage of recovery and the sport being practised.

The timing of physiotherapy depends on the type of surgery and the surgeon’s instructions.

In many cases, rehabilitation can begin as early as the day after surgery, with initial goals such as controlling pain and swelling, gradually restoring movement and reactivating the muscles.

The programme is always adapted to any precautions required by the surgical procedure and to the stage of tissue healing.

The programme depends on the type of surgery performed.

Initially, treatment generally focuses on pain, swelling, mobility, walking and muscle activation.

Strength, balance, neuromuscular control and increasingly demanding functional activities are then progressively introduced, leading to a return to normal daily activities or sport.

Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction is a progressive process that takes several months.

During the early stages, the goals are to restore mobility, control swelling, recover normal walking and improve muscle function.

Later, the programme develops strength, neuromuscular control and the ability to run, jump, accelerate, decelerate and change direction.

Return to sport is decided by considering both the time elapsed since surgery and the achievement of appropriate functional criteria.

It depends mainly on the type of procedure performed.

Recovery after a meniscectomy can be relatively quick, while a meniscus repair may require greater precautions during the first few weeks.

The programme is adapted to the surgeon’s instructions and progresses from restoring mobility and walking to strength, running and sporting activities.

Rehabilitation depends on the structure that was operated on and the type of procedure performed.

During the early stages, specific restrictions may be required to protect the tissues while they heal.

The programme then gradually progresses towards restoring mobility, strength, shoulder control and the ability to perform daily, work-related or sporting activities.

During the first few weeks, the goal is to regain independence, mobility, strength and confidence when walking.

The programme then becomes progressively more demanding, with exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, the ability to go up and down stairs and the performance of normal daily activities.

Progression is adapted to the individual’s condition and goals.

The decision is not based only on the amount of time that has passed since surgery.

Strength, mobility, movement control, load tolerance and the ability to perform specific functional activities are also assessed.

For athletes, specific tests may be used before starting to run or returning fully to sport.

The assessment includes several parameters that may vary depending on the injury and the sport practised.

Strength, jumping ability, movement control, speed, endurance, differences between limbs and the ability to perform sport-specific movements may be assessed.

The goal is to determine whether the athlete has regained sufficient capacity to meet the demands of their sport.

It is an assessment consisting of several tests used during the final stages of rehabilitation.

It may include strength measurements, single-leg hop tests, neuromuscular control, symmetry between the limbs and specific functional tests.

The results help identify which abilities have been restored and which still need to be improved before a full return to sport.

No.

The time elapsed since surgery is important, but by itself it is not enough to determine whether an athlete is ready.

Recovery of strength, jumping ability, movement control, sport-specific preparation and other clinical and functional criteria must also be taken into account.

Yes.

Specific strength measurements can be performed during rehabilitation to compare the two limbs and monitor changes over time.

These data help identify any remaining deficits and allow the rehabilitation programme to be planned more precisely.

Yes.

We work with both recreational and competitive athletes.

During the advanced stages of rehabilitation, the programme is adapted to the specific demands of the sport, with work on strength, power, speed, changes of direction, endurance and sport-specific movements.

Yes.

An injury prevention programme can be particularly useful for athletes with previous injuries or specific demands related to their sport.

Following an assessment, it is possible to identify the areas that need work and build a programme based on strength, neuromuscular control, balance, load capacity and sport-specific movements.

At Dolomiti Physiocenter, we offer several physical and instrumental therapies that can be integrated into the physiotherapy programme depending on the condition and the stage of recovery.

These include:

• focused and radial shockwave therapy
• high-power laser therapy (Hilterapia®)
• TECAR therapy
• Limfa Therapy

The choice of therapy is not made automatically on the basis of the diagnosis alone. It follows an assessment of the patient and, when indicated, is integrated into a programme that may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and progressive load management.

Shockwave therapy is an instrumental treatment used mainly for certain tendinopathies and musculoskeletal conditions.

Common indications include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinopathy, epicondylalgia and certain shoulder conditions.

The indication is always established after an assessment because shockwave therapy is not the appropriate treatment for every type of pain.

The two technologies generate and transmit energy to the tissues in different ways.

Focused shockwaves allow energy to be concentrated at a specific depth and within a more precisely defined area.

Radial shockwaves, on the other hand, distribute energy mainly through more superficial tissues and over a wider area.

At Dolomiti Physiocenter, we have both technologies and choose the most appropriate one according to the condition being treated.

During treatment, patients may experience discomfort of varying intensity, particularly in very sensitive areas.

The intensity is adjusted according to the patient’s tolerance and the condition being treated.

Treatment generally lasts only a few minutes.

The number of sessions depends on the condition, how long it has been present and the patient’s individual response.

Usually, 3–6 sessions are performed, although the protocol may vary depending on the individual case.

Sessions are generally spaced apart, typically at a frequency of one session per week, so that the response to treatment can be assessed progressively.

The total number of sessions is therefore adjusted according to how the condition evolves.

It can be indicated for various tendinopathies and certain calcifications, but effectiveness varies depending on the area involved and the specific condition.

For this reason, an assessment should be carried out first to determine whether shockwave therapy is genuinely an appropriate option.

It depends on the condition and the type of activity.

In many cases, training can continue with temporary modifications to the load, without the need to stop sporting activity completely.

Specific recommendations are provided according to the treated area, the intensity of the treatment and the sport practised.

Yes.

There are certain conditions in which shockwave therapy should not be used or requires particular caution.

For this reason, information about the patient’s medical history, medications and any existing health conditions is collected before treatment.

Hilterapia® is a high-intensity laser therapy used in physiotherapy with the aim of helping to reduce pain and support recovery in certain musculoskeletal conditions.

Depending on the clinical presentation, it may be used during the acute or subacute stages of certain muscle, tendon and joint problems and as an adjunct in pain management.

Like all instrumental therapies, it is used when there is a specific indication and is generally integrated with the other components of the rehabilitation programme.

No. The treatment is generally well tolerated.

During application, the patient may feel warmth in the treated area, but the therapy should not be painful.

The parameters are adapted to the condition and the individual’s sensitivity.

There is no single number of sessions that is appropriate for everyone.

The frequency and duration of treatment depend on the type of problem, the clinical stage and the patient’s individual response.

Laser therapy may be used for several sessions as an adjunct to physiotherapy, with the results being progressively reassessed.

TECAR therapy is a physical therapy that uses radiofrequency energy to transfer energy to the tissues and produce controlled thermal and biological effects.

It may be used for certain muscle, joint and tendon conditions, for example to help reduce pain, improve tolerance to movement and support functional recovery.

The intensity and method of application are adapted to the stage of the problem and the treatment goals.

Generally, no.

TECAR therapy is considered a supportive treatment within the physiotherapy programme and, when necessary, may be combined with manual therapy, mobilisation and therapeutic exercise.

The aim is to use instrumental therapy when it can facilitate recovery, without replacing the active work needed to restore strength and function.

No. It is generally well tolerated and is often perceived as pleasant.

Depending on the mode used, the patient may feel a more or less intense sensation of warmth in the treated area.

The intensity is continuously adjusted according to the condition and the sensation reported by the patient.

Limfa Therapy is a physical therapy used as a supportive treatment in various rehabilitation situations, particularly when the aim is to help manage pain, oedema and tissue recovery processes.

Depending on the clinical presentation, it may be used after injuries or surgery and in the presence of swelling or tissue irritation.

The indication is established individually after the physiotherapy assessment.

It may be considered particularly during stages in which swelling, oedema, pain or tissue irritation are present, for example after an injury or surgery.

It is used as a complement to other rehabilitation strategies, which may include movement, exercise, load management and other forms of physiotherapy treatment.

No.

Shockwave therapy, high-power laser therapy, TECAR therapy and Limfa Therapy can be useful tools in certain conditions, but they generally represent one part of the rehabilitation programme rather than its only component.

When indicated, they are combined with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education and the progressive return to daily, work-related or sporting activities.

The goal is not simply to reduce pain, but to restore function and enable a return to the desired activities.

There is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone.

Manual therapy can be useful for reducing symptoms or temporarily improving mobility, while therapeutic exercise is often essential for restoring strength, control, load capacity and function.

Physical and instrumental therapies may also be used when indicated.

The different strategies are integrated according to the patient’s needs and the stage of rehabilitation.

Because it allows the patient to progressively regain the abilities needed for everyday life, work and sport.

Exercises can be used to improve strength, mobility, balance, coordination, endurance and load tolerance.

The difficulty is gradually increased according to the progress achieved and the patient’s goals.

Manual therapy can be used to reduce pain or stiffness, improve mobility and facilitate the recovery of movement.

When necessary, it is integrated with therapeutic exercise, physical therapies and the progressive return to activity.

The aim is not only to modify symptoms, but to restore function as fully as possible.

Spinal manipulation is a manual therapy technique in which the physiotherapist applies a rapid, precise and controlled movement to a joint of the spine.

It is used with the aim of reducing pain, temporarily improving mobility and facilitating movement.

It is not performed routinely, but only when the clinical assessment indicates that it may be appropriate for that particular patient.

Spinal manipulation may be used for certain musculoskeletal disorders of the spine, particularly selected cases of low back pain, neck pain and spinal stiffness.

However, no single technique is suitable for everyone: the indication depends on the symptoms, the clinical assessment and the individual characteristics of the patient.

When used, it generally forms part of the overall treatment and may be combined with mobilisation, therapeutic exercise and a progressive return to activity.

No.

Spinal manipulation should not be understood as a technique that returns a supposedly “out of place” vertebra to its correct position.

The effects of manipulation are more complex and mainly involve temporary changes in pain, mobility and the response of the neuromuscular system.

For this reason, the result is assessed according to improvements in symptoms and function, not according to an assumed correction of vertebral position.

During a manipulation, the characteristic “crack” or joint popping sound may occur.

The sound is mainly related to a rapid change in pressure within the joint and the formation of a cavity in the joint fluid.

It does not mean that a vertebra has been put back into place, and the sound does not need to occur for the technique to have an effect.

Before performing a manipulation, an assessment is carried out to check whether there are any conditions in which the technique is contraindicated or requires particular caution.

The most common adverse effects are generally mild and temporary, such as soreness, stiffness or a temporary increase in symptoms.

Particular attention is given to manipulation of the cervical spine, where it is important to carefully assess the patient’s medical history, possible risk factors and symptoms before deciding whether the technique is appropriate.

If there are doubts or contraindications, other manual therapy techniques or alternative treatment strategies are used.

The programme is defined on the basis of the diagnosis, clinical assessment, stage of the problem and the patient’s goals.

Age, occupation, sport practised, previous level of physical activity and any previous surgery or injuries are also taken into account.

Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and physical or instrumental therapies.

The programme is then progressively modified according to the patient’s response to treatment.

Improvement is assessed through changes in symptoms and, above all, through recovery of function.

When useful, mobility, strength and functional capacity tests are repeated to assess progress more objectively.

This also makes it possible to modify the programme if the results are not as expected.

Yes.

Two people with the same problem may have completely different needs.

An athlete, a manual worker and a person who simply wants to return to normal daily activities require different physical capacities.

For this reason, the rehabilitation programme is developed according to individual goals.

Yes.

We also treat patients who are temporarily staying in Val Gardena and develop a problem during their holiday.

An assessment can be carried out to understand the situation and determine how activities should be managed over the following days.

Yes.

We frequently assess muscle and joint problems related to skiing, hiking, running, cycling and other sporting activities practised in the mountains.

If the assessment reveals findings that require further medical or diagnostic investigation, the appropriate course of action will be recommended.

Yes.

When the time available is limited, we can focus on the assessment, initial treatment and setting up a programme that can then be continued independently or with the patient’s own physiotherapist after returning home.

The aim is to provide clear guidance on what to do and how to progress over the following weeks.

Yes.

When appropriate, a personalised exercise programme is prepared for the patient to carry out independently.

The exercises are explained during the session and selected according to the condition, the patient’s level and the goals to be achieved.

The programme can subsequently be modified or progressed according to the improvements achieved.