Physiotherapy - A physiotherapist is a health care professional concerned with the
assessment, maintenance, and restoration of the physical function and performance
of the body.
It is a distinct form of care which can be performed both in isolation or in conjunction
with other types of medical management.
Physiotherapists can perform a wide range of tests to help locate the source of the
problem and implement the appropriate treatment strategy.
Physiotherapy can help individuals by Identifying
a problem area and treating this directly. Physiotherapists treat a wide variety
of problems using many different techniques. In many cases, the causes of pain and
dysfunction are obvious, but sometimes things are not so black and white, especially
when symptoms are inconsistent or difficult to describe or understand.
Physiotherapists are not only interested in the problem, but factors which contribute
to the problem. Such as poor posture, improper techniques, muscle imbalances, compromised
muscle strength and use due to disease and disorder allowing interventions to be
made to try to correct these factors.
Providing rehabilitation and exercise Making
sure your length of stay in hospital or rehabilitation is not unexpectedly extended.
Advising on special equipment Different
conditions or diseases can lead to a situation where special equipment may be required.
Physiotherapists can advise on many different types of equipment, including splints,
walking aids, wheelchairs, occupational equipment etc.
Physiotherapy is an important tool that enables many people to maintain their independency,
it is not the only tool in the box either, a combination of physiotherapy, medical
treatment, alternative therapy intervention, lifestyle dietary application (optimum
nutrition) etc is required for a person to manage problems caused by diseases / disorders.
