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What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a health profession that involves the diagnosis and treatment of health problems that cause pain, limit movement and affect normal daily activities. A physiotherapist is a person who is trained in physiotherapy. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve movement and function. It is a well-established and accepted form of healthcare.
In physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment is determined after a thorough assessment is done. This includes taking a history of the problem, followed by a physical examination. This diagnosis and treatment is derived by a clinical reasoning process and is based on the best available scientific research.
The word 'physio' can be used to describe the actual physical treatment; and also to describe the person who is trained in physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy involves the treatment of many different conditions in many different healthcare settings. Examples of conditions that physiotherapy can help include work-related and sports-injuries, osteoarthritis, neurological conditions such as strokes, specific problems affecting children, surgical procedures, chest care in conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis, incontinence and elderly care.
Physiotherapists can work in hospitals, private clinics, GP surgeries, gyms and schools.
Physiotherapists use a wide range of treatments. With injuries of the spine, joints, muscles and nerves, treatments can include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations, manipulations, massage and stretches. Heat, ice, ultrasound and electrotherapy can also be used for pain-relief.
Exercise are a key part of physiotherapy treatment. Exercise can be given to improve strength, flexibility, fitness, stability of the spine and co-ordination.
Exercises are an important part of physiotherapy treatment in rehabilitation after injury, stroke or head injury. Exercises can also be given for pelvic floor strengthening for incontinence. For chest care, physiotherapists use breathing exercises.
Posture and movement education is also a key part of physiotherapy treatment in the many settings that a physiotherapist works.
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