Physiotherapy
When you are free to move - when you have mobility - you feel better and enjoy life more. But what about those times when movement becomes more of a challenge?
Physiotherapy Works.
What is Physiotherapy and how can it help me?
Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to:
Ÿ Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance;
Ÿ Preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limitations to participation; and
Ÿ Promoting fitness, health and wellness.
Through the application of clinical reasoning, it uses evidence-based techniques to deliver the most suitable treatment for an injury or condition. Physiotherapists help people maximize their movement and physical independence so they can enjoy their lifestyle.
Who will be assessing and treating me?
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose & treat a wide range of health problems to optimize your health. They integrate clinical expertise with current research to assess the underlying causes of joint, muscle and nerve disorders: they educate patients about managing their condition and advise on ways to prevent pain and injury.
Assessment
Your first appointment with a physiotherapist will consist of a thorough assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, joint range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation.
They will also examine relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, medical records and surgical notes. Based on this assessment, the physiotherapist develops a diagnosis and works in partnership with you to plan individualized goals and a treatment program.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis has been reached, the physiotherapist uses a wide range of techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement, and prevent further problems, including:
Ÿ Manual therapy – joint mobilization and manipulation
Ÿ Movement re-education and balance retraining
Ÿ Muscle imbalance and alignment corrections
Ÿ Postural education
Ÿ Therapeutic exercises and stretches
Ÿ Electrical Modalities (TENS, Ultrasound, heat & ice)
Ÿ Acupuncture
Ÿ A customized program to manage your injury between physiotherapy visits is critical to your recovery.
The focus of each physiotherapy treatment will vary according to the stage and nature of injury, be it stiffness or pain. Physiotherapists promote independence and work with you to ensure your rehabilitation and individual goals are achieved.
