The word “Physiotherapy” is used very often in the context of healthcare. Physiotherapy can be defined as a treatment method that focuses on the science of movement. The overall goal of Physiotherapy is to help people restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, movement, function, and overall well-being.

Physiotherapy is performed through the use of evidence based methods such as exercise, equipment, manual techniques, education, and motivation. As with many areas in the healthcare sector, Physiotherapy is a continually changing and progressive field of medicine. As our knowledge of the human body grows, the field of physiotherapy continues to evolve!

Every Physiotherapist will have an education in areas including anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, physical health education, injury prevention, and disabilities.

What treatments do Physiotherapists use?

All licensed Physiotherapists have the necessary training to assess and treat a wide variety of health conditions. During an assessment and over the course of treatment, a Physiotherapist can help to diagnose a problem. They will then help you understand what’s wrong, and offer guidance towards the most effective treatment approach. An individualised treatment plan should take into account your lifestyle, activities and general health. It should always be focused on improving your overall well-being!

The following are common treatment methods used by Physiotherapists:

• Exercise programs aimed at increasing strength in your muscles and improving the mobility of your joints 
• Joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce any pain and stiffness in your joints
• Massage used to address muscle strains or joint sprains. Also used to reduce swelling
• Balance training to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling
• Cardiorespiratory techniques aimed at clearance of your airways and breathing exercises to help maintain a healthy heart and lungs
• Acupuncture and dry needling
• Hydrotherapy
• Patient Education into the use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs to help you access your environment and the community safely.

Where do Physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapy has a strong presence in many areas of healthcare. Physiotherapists generally work in facilities such as:

• Hospitals
• Private outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation centres
• Nursing homes
• Sporting clubs
• Community health centres
• In the comfort of your own home!

What are the different types of Physiotherapy?

The field of Physiotherapy is quite broad, and due to this there are several areas within healthcare that include the use of Physiotherapy to ensure positive outcomes for each patient. 

Physiotherapists are also experts in helping to reduce the surprisingly common health and safety issues associated with working in labour intensive industries. We can help to prevent injury as well as get people back to work quickly and safely.

Physiotherapists can offer treatments relating to the following areas within healthcare:

• Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic: Preventing and treating clients with musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain. Managing acute or chronic orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis and following a surgery.
• Neurological: Promoting movement and quality of life in patients who have had brain or spinal cord damage. This may be from trauma, or a neurological disease such as Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
• Pain Management: Managing or preventing acute or chronic pain and its impact on a patient’s wellbeing.
• Cardiorespiratory: Providing support, prevention and rehabilitation for people suffering from conditions that affect the heart and lungs. These include COPD, chronic heart failure, asthma and lung cancer.
• Cancer and Palliative Care: Helping to treat, manage or prevent the fatigue, pain, muscle and joint stiffness, and deconditioning associated with these conditions.
• Lymphoedema: Helping to reduce and manage fluid retention associated with this condition. 
• Incontinence: Educating, managing and preventing incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction in both male and female patients.
• Women’s Health: Addressing a variety of health issues surrounding pregnancy, birth, post-partum care, pelvic floor dysfunction and a variety of bladder and bowel conditions.

What next?

If you are experiencing recent or chronic issues with movement or function, or seeking to optimize your health, it is highly recommended to seek out a Physiotherapist soon. Implement the practice of Physiotherapy into your lifestyle! Don’t hesitate, you will quickly realise how incredibly helpful the field of Physiotherapy truely is!