Physiotherapy,or physical therapy, is a field of healthcare involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient. Treatment modalities include exercises, mobilization,massage, stretching, heat, cryotherapy and electrotherapy.

Physiotherapy is used in treatment of a large variety of medical disorders. These include traumatic injuries, neurological and muscular diseases as well as cardiopulmonary diseases. Physiotherapy is provided by physiotherapists or Pt’s. Pt’s are licensed health care professionals with a masters doctorate degree in physical therapy. You can find Pt’s in everything from hospitals, and nursing homes to private practices and sports teams.

Physiotherapy is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of injuries, disorders and conditions, including:

sports injuries back and neck pain postural problems occupational injuries arthritis rehabilitation spinal cord injuries chronic respiratory disease cardiac rehabilitation  stroke rehabilitation

asthma  paediatric conditions neurological conditions joint immobility rheumatic diseases  incontinence geriatric problems sciatica pain syndromes

 Physiotherapy involves using a variety  of  techniques  to  help  your  muscles,  joints,  heart  and  lungs  work  to  their  potential.  Physiotherapists  work  in  partnership  with  individuals  of  all  ages  to  break  down  barriers  impeding  physical  function.   The  practice  of  physical therapy is drug free.  

Fundamental  to the physiotherapy approach  is an  appreciation  of  your participating role in  your own care.  Physiotherapists  work  with you to integrate your care into your  lifestyle.  They are skilled in providing treatment, preventative advice, rehabilitation and care for  people with long?term or terminal  illness  and will develop a full treatment plan to suit your individual needs.  

 When you see a physiotherapist, he or she will complete a thorough assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and  movement patterns, strength,  joint range of motion, reflexes, sensation and cardiorespiratory condition.   

They will also examine relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, medical records and surgical notes.  Based on this assessment,  the physiotherapist  develops a diagnosis and plan individual goals and treatment programs   

Physiotherapy  promotes  independence.  For example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions and you will be adviced to set goals to achieve results.

Some treatment modalities:   

1. • Strengthening  and  therapeutic  exercise  programs   

2. • Mobilization and flexibility exercises   

3. • Corrections of muscle imbalances and alignment   

4. • Balance training  and  movement coordination   

5. • Manual  therapy

6. • Electrotherapy modalities such as TENS and ultrasound

7. • Gait training    

8. • Acupuncture  

Physiotherapists  are primary care practitioneers offering direct access to physical therapy services without the need for referral from a physician