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What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work in partnership with their patients, assisting them to overcome movement disorders, which may have been present from birth, acquired through accident or injury, or are the result of ageing or life-changing events.

Physiotherapy can help recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase mobility. A physiotherapist can also help you prevent further injury by listening to your needs and working with you to plan the most appropriate treatment for your condition, including setting goals and treatment outcomes.

Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities, and general health. 

The following are common treatment methods physiotherapists may use:

  • Exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
  • Joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
  • Muscle re-education to improve control
  • Breathing exercises
  • Soft tissue and joint mobilisation (massage and joint manipulation)
  • Ultrasound, TENS and Shockwave Therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Injection Therapy
  • Assistance with use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs.

What to expect

Usually treatment is relaxing and rarely painful, though as the body adapts to the changes we make, you may feel stiff and sore for a few days afterwards.

As a rough guide, 3-6 weekly treatments should be sufficient for a recent, uncomplicated injury. For ongoing problems, such as osteoarthritis, 3-6 treatments should see a reduction in symptoms which could then be managed with regular maintenance.

Treatment may also include advice on posture, diet and exercise if these are contributing to your problem. What you do at home and at work can greatly affect your progress and so your involvement in any treatment plan is just as important as ours.

Your first visit

Your first appointment will last approximately one hour. A thorough case history of all your ailments and conditions, together with your presenting signs and symptoms, will be recorded to best understand the cause of your problem.

The physiotherapist will then run through a full health screen to determine your general state of health, including blood pressure. If anything untoward is discovered then we may ask you to visit your GP or we can (with your permission) contact them directly on your behalf.

If all is well you’ll then be asked to dress down to your underwear or whatever you feel is appropriate. Some people will bring shorts or sports bras if this makes them feel more comfortable. A standing examination will be performed to assess your range of motion; then you will be invited on to the treatment table where the treatment will be performed.