What is Physiotherapy?

 

For most practising physios our first exposure to the profession comes as kids or teenagers on the receiving end of treatment for a sporting injury or developmental condition and it is here at this first session that many of us begin the journey to becoming life-long physiotherapy practitioners.  From this first glimpse we go on to university where we live and breathe the study of anatomy, physiology, movement, human behaviour, disease pathology and rehabilitation.  It is then into the workforce where we become clinicians in hospitals, private clinics, schools, rehab facilities, the defence forces, sporting teams, research departments and any number of other organisations within the private and public sectors.

So neck deep in the physio world – ‘physiogeeks’ as we are – it occasionally takes us by surprise when someone asks us “what do physios do?”   It’s a good reminder for us that plenty of people go through their lives free of injury, pain or disease OR they come from a family background or culture where physio isn’t part of their every day lives .  So when the “what is physiotherapy / what do physios do”  first timers ask their questions the answers are as varied as the practitioners providing them.

Here at Construct Health we believe that physiotherapy is a caring profession that provides solutions to the physical manifestations of injury, disease and disability.  We work independently and in conjunction with other medical and allied health specialists to assist a patient on their rehabilitation and injury management pathway to full physical, emotional and psychological health.

 

If you don’t just want to take our word for it here’s how our peak body, the Australian Physiotherapy Association – www.physiotherapy.asn.au – answers the “what is physiotherapy” question:

 

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work in partnership with their patients, assisting them to overcome movement disorders, which may have been present from birth, acquired through accident or injury, or are the result of ageing or life-changing events.

Physiotherapy can help recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, and increase mobility. A physiotherapist can also help you prevent further injury by listening to your needs and working with you to plan the most appropriate treatment for your condition, including setting goals and treatment outcomes.

 

As first contact practitioners, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physiotherapist.

 

What sort of treatment do Physiotherapists Use?

Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, and help you understand what’s wrong. Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities, and general health.

The following are common treatment methods physiotherapists may use:

• exercise programs to improve mobility and strengthen muscles
• joint manipulation and mobilisation to reduce pain and stiffness
• muscle re-education to improve control
• airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises
• soft tissue mobilisation (massage)
• acupuncture
• hydrotherapy
• assistance with use of aids, splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs.

 

What qualifications are required to practice as a physiotherapist?

 

Physiotherapy courses vary across the country and entry may be through a bachelor, masters or professional doctorate program. Physiotherapists are required by law to be registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board in the state or territory in which they are practising.