Physiotherapy is a physical therapy discipline focused on the movement, function and performance of the neuromusculoskeletal system. It is an evidence-based health care profession that promotes optimal movement and development, prevents injury and disease, and helps people improve or maintain functional mobility. Physiotherapists are concerned with improving quality of life through rehabilitation, prevention and education.
Physiotherapy can be provided in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools and private homes.
The following are some common types of physiotherapy:
Acute Care Physiotherapy – Provides short-term treatment for injuries or conditions that develop suddenly or unexpectedly. This may include post-surgical rehabilitation as well as treatment for acute injuries such as sprains, strains and fractures. It may also include emergency room care for patients who have been injured in a car accident or other sudden traumatic event.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – CPR is designed to help someone whose heart has stopped beating by applying chest compressions while someone else breathes into their mouth using a bag mask device until paramedics arrive on the scene with more advanced equipment.
There are many different types of physiotherapy, including:
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the most common type of physiotherapy. It can be used to help with a wide range of conditions, including back pain, sports injuries and arthritis.
Neurological physiotherapy is used to treat people who’ve had a stroke or head injury. It also helps with some types of brain damage and learning disabilities.
Paediatric physiotherapy is usually used to help babies and children with developmental delays or learning disabilities.
Physiotherapists are concerned with neuromusculoskeletal disorders (such as low back pain) but also with cardiac problems and pulmonary issues. They are at the forefront of diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, hip fractures and joint replacements. Physiotherapists also treat chronic pain conditions like lower back pain or knee osteoarthritis.
Physical therapists focus on the functional movement of people, whereas physical therapist assistants and aides help provide that movement. The practice of physical therapy has been defined as “the evaluation, diagnosis and management of disorders that affect mobility, with a specific focus on neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting the elderly.”
Physical therapists are licensed in all states and most countries require a minimum 2 year degree from an accredited university program. A master’s degree may be required for certain high-level positions such as clinical specialist or clinical professor positions in academia.
Physical therapists focus on four main areas: 1) restoring function after an injury or illness; 2) improving performance at home, school and work; 3) preventing injuries through education and exercise programs; 4) treating a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as arthritis in joints, tendinitis/bursitis, sprains/strains. You can contact Get Moving Physio for more information.
