top of page

What is Physiotherapy?

DSC05134 (1)_edited_edited.jpg

Physiotherapy is a valuable healthcare profession that can help people of all ages and abilities to improve their physical function, manage pain, and achieve greater independence. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or looking to optimize your physical health, physiotherapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve your goals. If you're interested in exploring physiotherapy as a treatment option, talk to your physician or specialist, or contact a physiotherapy clinic in your area.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people regain and maintain their physical function, mobility, and independence. Physiotherapists work with people of all ages and abilities, from newborns to seniors, and across a wide range of health conditions and injury types.

The goal of physiotherapy is to help people manage pain, improve strength and flexibility, and optimize their physical function, whether that means returning to work, sports, or daily activities. Physiotherapists use a wide range of techniques and interventions, such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, education, and modalities like acupuncture and shockwave therapy, to achieve these goals.

Who can benefit from physiotherapy?

Anyone who is experiencing pain, weakness, or mobility issues can benefit from physiotherapy. Some common reasons people seek physiotherapy include:

  • Musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain, neck pain, and joint pain

  • Sports injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures

  • Neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease

  • Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease and pulmonary disease

  • Pre- and post-operative care, such as joint replacement surgery or spinal surgery

  • Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis

  • Women's health issues, such as prenatal and postnatal care, pelvic floor dysfunction, and incontinence

What can I expect during a physiotherapy session?

During a physiotherapy session, your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment of your condition and physical abilities. This may involve asking you questions about your medical history, performing physical tests and measurements, and observing your movements and posture.

Based on this assessment, your physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. This may include exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to address pain and stiffness, and education on proper posture and body mechanics.

Your physiotherapist will work with you to ensure that you understand your treatment plan and how to perform your exercises correctly. They may also provide you with strategies and tools for managing your symptoms at home, such as ice or heat therapy, or assistive devices like braces or crutches.

How can physiotherapy help with pain management?

Physiotherapy is a key component of pain management for many people. Physiotherapists can help you understand the underlying causes of your pain and develop a treatment plan that addresses those causes. This may involve exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture and body mechanics. Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization, and manipulation, can also be effective in reducing pain and stiffness.

In addition to these interventions, physiotherapists can provide education and support for managing pain on a day-to-day basis. This may include advice on using relaxation techniques, and strategies for managing stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate pain symptoms.

bottom of page