What do Physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapists assess the client’s level of mobility, strength, endurance and other physical abilities to determine the impact of their illness or injury on their physical function, whether at work, rest or play. They diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan to restore movement and reduce pain or limitations to mobility. They treat the condition and help the client understand its effect on their function. They measure the client’s progress regularly and adjust the treatment accordingly. They also advise the client on how to manage their condition independently and help the client prevent avoidable recurrences or complications. Physiotherapists can also advise you on ways to prevent potential health problems from occurring before they arise. Physiotherapists provide valuable health care for people across the lifespan from birth to older age. Primarily, they work in 3 practice areas: orthopedics, neurology and cardiorespiratory. The following are examples of the types of conditions

Physiotherapists may treat:

Orthopaedics

• Back and neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries (i.e.: carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Post‐surgical rehabilitation (i.e.: hip or knee replacement)

Neurology

• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Cerebral palsy
• Head injuries
• Parkinsonʹs
• Multiple Sclerosis

Physiotherapy – How it Works

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. Physiotherapy can help individuals living with congenital or chronic diseases or other debilitating conditions and can assist those recovering from: surgery; illness; neurological conditions such as stroke; injury; industrial or motor vehicle accidents; or age-related conditions. The practice of physiotherapy is drug‐free.

Fundamental to a physiotherapists approach is an appreciation of your 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 unique needs. Physiotherapists are university‐educated, regulated health professionals that play an important role within your healthcare team.

Physiotherapy ‐ What to Expect?

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 status. Physiotherapists promote independence, including emphasis on how you can help yourself. For example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions and how to set goals to achieve results. Where appropriate, physiotherapists also advise caregivers on how they can help you.

What Can The Treatment Involve?

Some treatment options:

• Strengthening and therapeutic exercise programs
• Mobility and flexibility improvement
• Improvements in muscle imbalances and alignment
• Balance retraining and movement coordination
• Manual therapy – intervention to reduce pain and stiffness
• Electrical modalities such as TENS (electrical nerve stimulation) or ultrasound
• Gait retraining and general conditioning regimes
• Acupuncture – some physiotherapists are trained to use this technique to help alleviate your pain

Additional Video Material