What is Physiotherapy? When Should We See a Physiotherapist?

If you have an injury or illness that makes it difficult for you to perform daily activities, your doctor may recommend this type of treatment.
Physiotherapy (PT) is a type of care that aims to reduce pain and help you function, move, and live better. You may need this treatment for the following reasons:

• Pain relief

• Improving movement or activity

• Preventing sports injuries or aiding recovery

• Preventing disability or surgery

• Rehabilitation after stroke, accident, injury, or surgery

• Working on balance or preventing slips or falls

• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis

• Recovery after childbirth

• Controlling bowel or bladder

• Adjusting to prosthetics

• Learning how to use assistive devices like walkers or canes

• Having a splint or brace

Physiotherapy can be done at any age. This approach can treat a wide range of health problems.

Who is a Physiotherapist?
These professionals undergo specialized postgraduate training in physiotherapy. They may be referred to as PT or physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists assess your condition and provide a detailed plan to guide treatment. They may offer hands-on treatments for your symptoms. They also teach specific exercises to help improve your movement and function.

You can see a physiotherapist directly without visiting a physical medicine specialist, or a doctor may prescribe it. Check your insurance policy to see whether you need a referral for coverage.

If you have a serious illness or injury, a physiotherapist cannot replace a doctor. But they will work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to guide treatments. You will feel better and are likely to recover full function of the treated area—often faster than if you weren’t under a physiotherapist’s care.
Physiotherapists often have assistants who are also trained to perform various physical treatments.

What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
In your first therapy session, the physiotherapist will assess your needs. They will ask questions about your pain or other symptoms, your ability to move or do daily tasks, how well you sleep, and your medical history.

See also: List of Best Orthopedic Specialists

The physiotherapist will conduct tests to assess:

• Your ability to move around, stretch, bend, or hold objects

• Your ability to walk or climb stairs

• Your heart rate or rhythm during activity

• Your posture or balance

They will then work with you to set up a treatment plan. This plan includes your personal goals, such as better function and well-being, along with exercises or other therapies to help you reach those goals.
You may spend more or less time in physiotherapy than others. Everyone is different. You may also have more or fewer sessions depending on your needs.

Your treatments may include:

• Guided exercises or stretching with the physiotherapist

• Massage, heat or cold therapy, warm water therapy, or ultrasound to relieve pain or muscle spasms

• Rehabilitation to help you learn to use a prosthetic limb

• Training with assistive devices like canes or walkers that help you move or maintain balance

Your therapist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatments if needed. You can do the exercises taught during the sessions at home. This helps you stay on track and improve your health.

Where Can You Access a Physiotherapist?
Sometimes, physiotherapists come to your home to guide the treatment. They also work in the following centers:

• Hospitals

• Outpatient clinics

• Sports medicine centers

• Private medical offices

• Nursing homes

• Social service centers

• Rehabilitation centers

• Offices and work sites

• Schools or colleges