Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a very broad-ranging discipline and is not confined to a single technique or ideology; however physiotherapists are primarily manual therapists concerned with normal movement and function, using a very broad range of techniques, preferring those supported by scientific evidence. Physiotherapy is practiced in hospitals, private clinics such as Forrestfield Physiotherapy Centre, and in sporting centres. Physiotherapists work in a number of broad areas of practice including Musculoskeletal, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Cardiorespiratory, Paediatric and Sports Physiotherapy.
Australian physiotherapists are mostly University graduates educated alongside doctors and nurses, Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists and have usually spent a year or two working under supervision, usually in teaching hospitals. Most Physios gravitate towards one or more of the major areas of practice and many obtain higher qualifications such as Masters or PhD’s.
The following information is based on that provided by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Movement plays an important role throughout people’s lives. Physiotherapists assist people with movement disorders which may have been present from birth (such as cerebral palsy), acquired through accident or injury (such as motor vehicle accident or sporting injuries), or the result of life-changing major events (such as stroke or the development of a disease of the nervous system.) Physiotherapists can help solve and avoid many of the painful problems that you may encounter throughout life. Whether you’re young or old, active or taking it easy, there’s a good chance you could benefit from physiotherapy at some point. The following information explains some of the things that physiotherapists do and how physiotherapy can help you.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential (see “What does the treatment involve?” below). It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness. Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, for example, helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements. However, physiotherapists don’t just offer treatment; their advice can help you prevent problems from returning or even from happening in the first place.
What types of problem can physiotherapy help?
Virtually any condition that affects your muscles, joints, or nerves can be helped by physiotherapy. Common problems include:
- Painful conditions such as arthritis
- Back and neck pain, including whiplash
- Problems affecting children including cerebral palsy
- Pregnancy-related symptoms such as back pain and stress incontinence
- Upper limb work-related problems, also know as repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Asthma and other breathing difficulties
- Sports injuries
- Stroke and other neurological problems.
What does the treatment involve?
Before any action is taken your physiotherapist will assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. The physio will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your lifestyle, leisure activities, and general health. This will include advice on how you can help yourself; for example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions. Where appropriate, physiotherapists also advise carers how they can help.
Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments. For example:
- Exercise programs, including exercise in water and group exercise programs, designed to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
- Massage
- Joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
- Muscle re-education
- Hot and cold packs and electrotherapy to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up the healing process, improve movement, and increase functional abilities
- Airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises, to assist people with a variety of breathing difficulties
- Assistance with the use of aids, eg splints, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs.
Throughout the treatment or re-training program, the physio evaluates your progress at regular intervals, modifying treatment and goals when necessary. Wherever possible your physio will also work with you to help you learn to manage your condition independently for the longer term.
Remember, there is a lot of truth to the motto “Use it or lose it”!
The Australian Physiotherapy Association uses this definition for Physiotherapy.-
Australian Physiotherapists are registered Health Care Professionals with University qualifications.
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems. Physiotherapists also help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.
Physiotherapy includes a wide range of specialties that meet the health needs of different people such as babies and children, sportspeople, pregnant women, injured workers, senior citizens and anybody else with a movement related problem.
Physiotherapy programs are based on practical goals agreed between the Physiotherapist and the patient. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible, so they can resume or maintain their normal job or lifestyle.
When necessary, Physiotherapists will consult with other health professionals to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.
