Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of conditions through physical means. It aims to promote health, prevent disability and to preserve and improve the best possible function level of the individual. Physiotherapy teaches how to use the body safely and correctly. This can be useful for preventing injuries occurring in the first place, and for preventing existing injuries from getting worse.
Who can benefit from Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is non-invasive and does not involve the use of medication, so it is suitable for most people including young children or the elderly.
Physiotherapy is not just for people with an existing health condition. It may also be recommended as a treatment following a work or sport related injury, or while carrying out an activity, such as gardening, or decorating. It may be helpful following back strain, or repetitive strain injury (RSI).
What conditions can Physiotherapy help with?
Physiotherapists can help a wide range of people and treat a number of different conditions. For example:
> The elderly. Physiotherapy is often used to treat conditions that are common in old age, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and hip and joint replacements. It can help elderly people to stay active and independent, reduce pain and improve fitness.
> Heart and lung conditions. It can help people who have had heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart surgery.
> Nervous system conditions. Nervous system conditions include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy can also help people deal with paralysis (being unable to move) as well as treat balance problems and muscle pain.
> Bones, joints and muscles. Physiotherapy can treat conditions and injuries that affect the bones, joints and muscles. It can help with sports injuries, repetitive strain injury, neck pain, back pain and arthritis. It can also assist with rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery.
> Children. Physiotherapy can improve the balance, strength and co-ordination of youngsters who have conditions that affect the muscles or the skeleton, some of which may be present from birth, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
> Women. It can help women who encounter pelvic problems after giving birth, or have problems related to the menopause, e.g. stress incontinence.
