Physical therapy is not an alternative therapy. It is a clinical health science and a healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapy can help recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase mobility.

Physical therapists study medical science subjects, including anatomy, neuroscience and physiology in order to acquire the health education needed for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, etc. 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. They seek to identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential through prevention, intervention (treatment), promotion, habilitation, and rehabilitation.

Also, physiotherapists 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.

Physiotherapy (among others) applies to:

  • Neuromuscular systems
  • Musculoskeletal systems
  • Cardiovascular systems
  • Respiratory systems

Physical therapy is much more than just dealing with sports-related injuries. In general, it can also be used for:

  • Asthma
  • Back & Neck pain
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Incontinence
  • Whiplash
  • Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Multiple sclerosis

Orthopedic physical therapy

Rehabilitation for post-orthopedic surgery patients: post operative joints, sport injuries, arthritis, disease or injuries affecting muscles, bones, ligaments or tendons, amputations etc.

Geriatric physical therapy

The focus here is on the older adults. The geriatric physical therapist is a specialist in the treatment of the following:

  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Hip replacement
  • Joint replacement
  • Balance problems
  • Incontinence

The main goal is to get the patient mobile again, to teach him/her how to manage pain and optimize fitness levels.

Neurological physical therapy

The neurological physical therapist is specialized in treating patients with a neurological disorder or disease. This may include patients with:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Paralysis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Poor balance
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke
  • Vision impairment
  • Walking difficulties

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapy

The specialist works with patients who have a disease or disorder of the heart, circulatory system, or pulmonary system. The focus here is to improve the patient’s endurance and physical independence.

  • Patients recovering from a heart attack
  • Those recovering from bypass surgery
  • Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Patients with pulmonary fibrosis

Pediatric physical therapy

The pediatric physical therapist treats children with various diseases and disorders. Examples of patients may include children with:

  • Spina bifida
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Torticollis

A physical therapist provides services that help patients who have an injury or disease to:

  • restore function
  • improve mobility
  • relieve pain
  • prevent permanent disabilities
  • limit permanent disabilities

A Physiotherapist will also:

  • maintain and promote fitness and health
  • examine the patient’s medical history
  • test and measure the patient’s strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, motor function and then develops the patient’s plan describing a treatment strategy and its targeted outcome.

The patient’s treatment typically includes:

  • Exercise, which may focus on endurance, strength and flexibility (Kinesiotherapy).
  • Encouragement to use his/hers muscles to increase flexibility and range of motion.
  • Some patients will be taught more advanced exercises aimed at improving balance, strength, coordination and endurance.

Physiotherapy sessions include:

  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Magnetic therapy
  • Electrotherapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Ice / Heat therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Hydrotherapy – Hydro massage therapy
  • Spa therapy (Cyclonic and Vichy showers, sauna etc)