Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, or physical therapy (PT), is used to maximise the movement abilities of an individual. The intervention of this therapy may be the result of an accident or injury, or as a means of improving or maintaining life quality for someone of advancing years or a degenerative illness.

There are many variations of physiotherapist from general practitioners to those who specialise in specific areas like orthopedics and geriatrics.

Physiotherapists can be found in hospitals and clinics and they may visit a patient at home. Equally, they may work on a one-to-one basis or with groups.

Physiotherapy is considered a mainstream medical therapy in most western countries and both academic qualifications and registration are required for practitioners.

What to expect from physiotherapy treatment

Before physiotherapy is given to a patient there will be a full assessment of the patient's physical condition and any specific injury or circumstance that is to be treated. Using this assessment, and any other available information, a treatment plan will be devised. Depending upon the targets of the plan, the treatment may involve a short series of physiotherapy sessions, or a more prolonged program lasting several months.

Physiotherapy is frequently the result of a doctor's referral and therefore X-rays and other information sources may be used to determine the course of treatment.

In the case of rehabilitation from a physical injury, the physiotherapy may involve mobilising and strengthening the joints and muscles associated with the injury. This could involve controlled manipulation by the physiotherapist and the use of repetitive exercises intended to return the damaged part of the body back to normal function. Other practitioners like occupational therapists may also be involved in the rehabilitation process.

Physiotherapy is also used extensively to help patients suffering from other debilitating traumas and health problems. One example of this could be a stroke victim. Physiotherapy can be used with great success to rehabilitate the physical damage resulting from a stroke and, with the rehabilitation assisted by various mobility aids, a very good recovery can often be made.

Where to find a physiotherapist

In the UK most patients requiring physiotherapy will be referred to the practitioner by a doctor or hospital and the treatment will usually be provided at a hospital out-patient's clinic. Private practitioners are also available.

In other parts of the world a doctor or medical examiner may refer a patient to, or recommend, a physiotherapist. Alternatively, they may simply make the patient aware of the benefits of this type of treatment and leave them to source their own practitioner. When this is the case it is important to use a registered physiotherapist or physical therapist.