Physiotherapy entails targeted training of the body and the use of non-invasive techniques to improve or rehabilitate movement and physical ability.
Sometimes also referred to as ‘physical therapy’, physiotherapy entails targeted training of the body and the use of non-invasive techniques to improve or rehabilitate movement and physical ability. Techniques may include ultrasound, massages, or heat packs. Before starting any treatment, the physiotherapist will carry out a detailed, specialist examination and tailor the treatment to the patient’s individual needs. This approach seeks to:
Physiotherapists are experts in treating impeded physical ability and pain. This specialty is an independent discipline within conventional medicine and falls into primary care. Day-to-day work in the physiotherapy department focuses on supporting patients on their journey to improved health or helping them to maintain their health – all intending to increase patient quality of life. To achieve this, physiotherapists work on improving physical abilities – such as standing up, walking, climbing stairs, and running – as well as increasing mobility in stiff joints and easing pain.
In essence, any problem involving the musculoskeletal system can be improved using physiotherapy. Here are a few examples:
Physiotherapy can be targeted to support the healing of tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles following an accident, surgery or sports injury. With the right physiotherapy, most patients can expect to regain normal functionality of the musculoskeletal system.
Many people struggle with tension in the region around the back and neck, often leading to tension headaches. These can be targeted with physiotherapy to achieve longer term relief. Physiotherapy can also successfully relieve the acute pain of lumbago and slipped discs. A consultation on workstation ergonomics can also help in many cases.
Physiotherapists are specialists in providing effective treatment for arthritis, rheumatic conditions, dizziness, tinnitus and unsteady gait. Very often, this treatment significantly improves mobility and helps to avoid falls.
Physiotherapy can help with a number of pregnancy-related issues: back problems, groin pain, antenatal preparation, postnatal and pelvic floor exercises. Physiotherapy can also help children with posture issues or developmental problems affecting the musculoskeletal system. Interventions are targeted to improve the child’s development.
For many people, day-to-day life is full of complex sources of stress which can often manifest physically as tension, pain and other psychosomatic complaints. In these cases, the mental health aspect must be addressed but physiotherapy can be very useful alongside that. The use of massages, relaxation training and targeted stress-relief exercises has been proven effective in the scientific literature.
