If you have mobility issues,
are suffering from chronic pain, or recovering from surgery you may be
wondering about the best treatment plan for your condition.
With such a broad range of therapies, it can be
difficult deciding which allied health practitioner is best suited to your
needs.
The role of the physiotherapist is to restore
function to injured body parts, alleviate pain, enhance mobility and give you empowerment
over your health. If you are considering visiting a physiotherapist such as Body Logic in Perth, here is everything you need to know:
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, often confused with chiropractic and
osteopathy, is a form of rehabilitative medicine which concentrates on
improving movement and function through mobilisation techniques.
Physiotherapists can assess, plan and manage the care of patients of all ages
with a range of musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic and neurological problems.
The main treatment methods used are manual
techniques, electro-physical agents, patient education and exercises. A
combination of manual therapy, stretching, movement training, strapping,
taping, ice, and ultrasound are used to help repair damage, increase mobility
and reduce pain.
In addition, many physiotherapists are trained to
integrate techniques such as manipulation, massage, acupuncture, and
kinesiology.
To help people manage chronic disease such as diabetes,
physiotherapists can offer advice on lifestyle changes, prescribe aids and
appliances to help with mobility and supervise exercises. Physiotherapy can be
effective during stroke recovery, surgery rehabilitation, brain and spinal cord
damage, and Parkinson’s disease.
After childbirth women are often referred to a
physiotherapist to ensure their muscles are functioning correctly. Continence
issues and pelvic pain can also benefit from physiotherapy treatments.
A Scientifically Proven Therapy
In contrast to chiropractic and osteopathy,
physiotherapy is considered to be a more conventional therapy. It is a clinical
health science based on a wide body of scientific evidence from clinical
trials.
This has led to mutual trust between
physiotherapists, local GP's and hospital specialists and you may even be
referred by your doctor. A physiotherapist is often an integral part of a
multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals, especially within a
hospital or nursing home.
Community based health education programs and health
promotions usually require the assistance of a physiotherapist. Physical
therapy can be beneficial for both existing injuries and the prevention of new
ones. It is often used by sporting professionals to help them maximise performance.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Although many allied health treatments can be
integrated, the therapies which are commonly confused include physiotherapy,
chiropractic, massage and osteopathy.
These therapies all use non-invasive techniques
including massage, muscle stretching, spinal adjustments and soft tissue
manipulation. If you feel vulnerable to suggestions from others or overwhelmed
by internet searches, the following may prove helpful to clarify the difference
between massage, osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy.
Remember, if you are unsure, you should visit your GP
first for a recommendation. They will be able to explain which allied health
professional will be most compatible with your needs.
Chiropractic mainly uses joint
manipulation to concentrate on the function and health of the spine.
Chiropractic therapy focuses on the nervous system and its communication
pathways in an effort to maintain health and wellbeing.
Osteopathy uses a holistic approach and
focuses on the musculoskeletal system including nerves, circulation and
internal organs.
Massage therapy is a manual treatment
of manipulating the muscles and other soft tissues to stimulate blood flow and
oxygen, releasing spasms and tension. Often a physiotherapist will use massage
as part of your treatment plan.
Visiting a Physiotherapist
When you visit a physiotherapist they will create an
individualised, comprehensive management plan. This will be based on your unique
health requirements, and will likely involve exercises you can do at home.
The overall goal of your physiotherapist will be to
help you to regain your health and get back to doing the activities that you
love.
