Physiotherapy – An Overview
Firstly, let starts off with the definition of physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy, also known as ‘physical therapy', is a type of manual therapy which involves physical exercise, massage and other physical treatments which help to relieve pain and cure conditions relating to the musculo-skeletal system.
Physiotherapy helps to increase the quality of life for those with various long-term conditions and disabilities, for example MS and Parkinson's disease. Physiotherapy can also help those with acute injuries (e.g. sports people or victims of accidents) or those who are experiencing prolonged pain (e.g. back pain). Physiotherapy helps them to regain their movement, reduce pain and get on the road to recovery.
So how does physiotherapy work?
The particular process of therapy involved depends upon a patient's individual management plan however common areas of treatment include:
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions relating to the body, such as:
Specialist areas of physiotherapy will also offer treatments for
Largely, physiotherapy helps to restore quality of life and reduce the need for painkillers.
How can I find a physiotherapist?
Many patients in need of physiotherapy are referred by their doctors and usually this can be funded by the NHS. However, there is commonly a waiting list for appointments. Some patients prefer to speed the process up or even self-refer (skip the doctor's appointment altogether). If this is the case they may choose to see a private physiotherapist. There are also many people these days with private health insurance which will pay for private physiotherapy
The benefits of attending a private physio clinic are clear – appointments are usually available right away and without any lengthy waiting lists. This makes it an attractive solution for those with a sports related injury, back pain etc where NHS priority is low.
What's involved in an initial assessment?
The physiotherapist will ask for a thorough history of your presenting condition – what aggravates it, what it feels like etc. She/he will also need to learn about your medical history, work and activities which may influence your condition. This assessment is always confidential and will be conducted in such a manner.
During the physical assessment it is likely that you will be asked to complete various movement tests, as well as joint/muscle and ligament tests conducted by the physiotherapist.
As a result of your initial assessment, the physiotherapist will formulate a diagnosis, tailored treatment plan, and an idea of how long the recovery should be. The follow-up appointment may then be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on your specific diagnosis.Â
Firstly, let starts off with the definition of physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy, also known as ‘physical therapy', is a type of manual therapy which involves physical exercise, massage and other physical treatments which help to relieve pain and cure conditions relating to the musculo-skeletal system.
Physiotherapy helps to increase the quality of life for those with various long-term conditions and disabilities, for example MS and Parkinson's disease. Physiotherapy can also help those with acute injuries (e.g. sports people or victims of accidents) or those who are experiencing prolonged pain (e.g. back pain). Physiotherapy helps them to regain their movement, reduce pain and get on the road to recovery.
So how does physiotherapy work?
The particular process of therapy involved depends upon a patient's individual management plan however common areas of treatment include:
- Physical Exercise
- Manual Therapy (manipulation, mobilisation & massage therapy)
- Hydrotherapy (water based physiotherapy)
- Massage
- Electro-therapy
- Ultrasound Therapy
- Physical Agents (application of cold & heat)
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions relating to the body, such as:
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder instability
- Pelvic pain
- Knee ligament injuries
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
- Tennis elbow
Specialist areas of physiotherapy will also offer treatments for
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation
- Parkinson's disease rehabilitation
- Respiratory disorders
- Incontinence
- Special Sports injuries
- Post operation rehabilitation (total hip & knee replacements)
Largely, physiotherapy helps to restore quality of life and reduce the need for painkillers.
How can I find a physiotherapist?
Many patients in need of physiotherapy are referred by their doctors and usually this can be funded by the NHS. However, there is commonly a waiting list for appointments. Some patients prefer to speed the process up or even self-refer (skip the doctor's appointment altogether). If this is the case they may choose to see a private physiotherapist. There are also many people these days with private health insurance which will pay for private physiotherapy
The benefits of attending a private physio clinic are clear – appointments are usually available right away and without any lengthy waiting lists. This makes it an attractive solution for those with a sports related injury, back pain etc where NHS priority is low.
What's involved in an initial assessment?
The physiotherapist will ask for a thorough history of your presenting condition – what aggravates it, what it feels like etc. She/he will also need to learn about your medical history, work and activities which may influence your condition. This assessment is always confidential and will be conducted in such a manner.
During the physical assessment it is likely that you will be asked to complete various movement tests, as well as joint/muscle and ligament tests conducted by the physiotherapist.
As a result of your initial assessment, the physiotherapist will formulate a diagnosis, tailored treatment plan, and an idea of how long the recovery should be. The follow-up appointment may then be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on your specific diagnosis.Â