What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a treatment which is used to help with the pain relief, healing and rehabilitation of most medical and surgical conditions. It is appropriate for a range of muscle, joint and nerve conditions; however, if they consider it appropriate, physiotherapists may recommend you are seen by other specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons or pain specialists.
Is Physiotherapy Like a Massage?
No, physiotherapy is much more than a massage – though specific massage techniques may be used if they are considered an appropriate treatment to aid your recovery. Physiotherapy treatment can include manual therapy, acupuncture and soft tissue mobilisation as well as a range of other treatments.
What Types of Problems Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy can be used in helping a wide variety of health conditions that affect different areas the body’s systems – these conditions mostly relate to problems with bones, nerves, joints and soft tissues. A few everyday examples of these are painful backs, necks and joints, injury resulting from accidents or rehabilitation after surgery or strokes.
What Does the Treatment Involve? / What Treatments Will You Use?
The first thing that your physiotherapist will do is begin with a full assessment and physical examination to establish the cause and nature of your condition. From this point, they will look at the results (taking into consideration your past medical history) to determine what treatment will be beneficial for you and create a personalised treatment plan in conjuncture to your wishes.
What Should I Wear?
It’s recommended that you wear some comfortable clothing like a loose top, tracksuit or shorts and trainers – anything you feel able to move around in easily. Physiotherapists need to be able to visually assess you in terms of movement and posture (as well as move different areas of your body) so clothing that makes it easier for yourself and your physiotherapist is suggested.
How Long Do Sessions Last?
Your first appointment will consist of a full assessment which will take up to 45 minutes. After this, session lengths will depend on what your treatment plan requires – however if you have any concerns about timings then you’re more than welcome to discuss this with your physiotherapist. Most follow up appointments are 30 minutes.
