What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, patient-focused health profession dedicated to:

Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance
Preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation; and
Promoting fitness, health and wellness

Physiotherapy's unique contribution to health care stems from its advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well and how to restore mobility.

What do Physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapists asses the patient's level of mobility, strength, endurance and other physical abilities to determine the impact of their illness or injury on their physical function, whether at rest or play. They diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan to restore movement and reduce pain or limitations to mobility. They treat the condition and help the patient understand its effect on their function. They also advise the patient on how to manage their condition independently and help the patient prevent avoidable recurrences or complications.

Physiotherapists provide valuable health care for people across the life span from birth to older age. Primarily, they work in 3 practice areas: orthopedics, neurology and cardio respiratory. The following are examples of the types of conditions physiotherapists may treat:

Orthopedics - back and neck pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries (i.e. carpal tunnel, tennis elbow)

Motor vehicle accidents, post-surgical rehabilitation (i.e. hip or knee replacement)

Neurology - stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, head injuries, parkinson's, multiple sclerosis.

Physiotherapy - How it works

Physiotherapy involves using a variety of techniques to help your muscles, joints, heart and lungs work to their potential. Physiotherapists work in partnership with individuals of all ages to break down barriers impeding physical function. Physiotherapy can help individuals living with congenital or chronic diseases or other debilitating conditions and can assist those recovering from: surgery; illness; neurological conditions such as stroke; injury; industrial or motor accidents; or age related conditions. The practice of physiotherapy is drug-free.

Fundamental to a physiotherapists' approach is an appreciation of your role in your own care. Physiotherapists work with you to integrate your care into your lifestyle. They are skilled in providing treatment, preventative advice, rehabilitation and care for people with long-term or terminal illness and will develop a full treatment plan to suit your unique needs.

Physiotherapists are university-educated, regulated health professionals that play an important role within your health care system.