What is physiotherapy?

Because I often hear a lot of different versions in society about what physiotherapy is and isn’t, I decided to write this article. Even though awareness of this relatively young field is increasing, physiotherapy is still, in the eyes of many, something similar to a massage. In the following sentences, I will briefly outline what physiotherapy is really about.

Physiotherapy vs. Rehabilitation

These two terms are often used as synonyms, but they are not the same. The term rehabilitation is perhaps a bit more well-known than physiotherapy. I more often hear that someone is going for rehabilitation – “rehab” – rather than physiotherapy. Rehabilitation is generally a process aimed at returning a person with a disability, after injury, illness, etc., back to their normal life.

Physiotherapy is a part of rehabilitation. It is a specific medical field that deals with the treatment of movement difficulties (pain in the spine, muscles, joints, and others) through various techniques and methods.

Studies

Physiotherapy must be studied at university. The student must acquire knowledge across various healthcare fields, from orthopedics to psychology. At the same time, they undergo practical examinations in diagnostic procedures, manual techniques, or exercise (kinesiotherapy) methods. After successfully completing their studies, the individual becomes either a bachelor or, after another 2 years of study, a master in physiotherapy.

Job Description of a Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist treats patients/clients with problems in the musculoskeletal system, such as acute or chronic back pain, muscle and joint pain, post-operative and post-injury conditions (the well-known “rehabilitation” of joints). They also focus on the prevention of these problems through preventive exercise and educating their clients or the public.

Methods of Treatment

The therapist first conducts a detailed diagnosis, then determines a rehabilitation plan, and then applies specific therapeutic procedures: physiotherapy methods (targeted exercise + manual techniques), adjustment of movement patterns (posture), or educating the client about necessary changes in everyday activities.

In Conclusion

Physiotherapy is a specific healthcare field that helps people solve a wide range of movement problems. It is increasingly used for diagnoses that used to be treated only by doctors. Today, a physiotherapist can also help with, among other things:

• gastroesophageal reflux

• problems with the temporomandibular joint (clicking, pain when opening the mouth)

• breathing difficulties (cough, shortness of breath) with chronic or post-acute respiratory illness

• pelvic floor problems (stress incontinence, functional infertility)

• headaches (article)

More info about my physiotherapy practice here.

You can find more articles here.