Physiotherapy
About Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists work with a variety of patients, both young and elderly, as well as with clients with various health conditions. Physiotherapists have a detailed knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. The physiotherapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats injuries that are associated with nerves, joints, bones, muscles, and ligaments.
The main goal of physiotherapy is to help clients restore their physical function, and to teach them how to improve and maintain their functional independence and physical abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a science-based health care profession that focuses on the body and movement. The physiotherapist requires extensive knowledge of how the body moves and how its systems work together. Physiotherapy is dedicated to promoting client health by helping them prevent injury and diseases, while promoting healthy, active living. Physiotherapy helps to manage pain from acute injuries and chronic conditions through rehabilitation with various exercise programs and treatment modalities. Another main component of physiotherapy is client education. Physiotherapists work to educate and support clients on how to maintain and improve their strength so they do not experience functional decline, or re-injuries.
How do Physiotherapists Assess?
Physiotherapists assess by documenting the client’s detailed health history as well as having them perform physical and hands-on testing to determine various measures such as flexibility, endurance, and range of motion. These tests are also used to determine what the client’s current abilities and functional needs are. The physiotherapist will also provide the client with a diagnosis, which will help to explain why they may be experiencing pain or discomfort. The physiotherapist will also discuss client’s goals in terms of health and fitness. The physiotherapist uses this information to create customized treatment plans that align with client’s personal goals and health needs. The physiotherapist will continue to work with the client to monitor their progress and will make any changes to the plan as needed.
How do Physiotherapists Treat?
Physiotherapists help to restore clients’ physical function with a variety of treatments and techniques such as:
- Providing you with customized exercise plans that are created to help you improve your strength, range of motion, and flexibility. These exercise programs are also created to help with rehabilitation after an injury and to prevent the occurrence of future injuries.
- Manual therapy such as the massage of muscles.
- The mobilization and manipulation of joints to help reduce any pain and stiffness.
- The use of hot and cold modalities. Hot presses are often used before the Physiotherapy session to help loosen your muscles, and increase their movement and function. Cold Compresses are commonly used after your session to relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
What are the Benefits of Physiotherapy?
- To heal injuries and prevent the reoccurrence of future injury
- To strengthen and increase flexibility and mobility of joints
- To alleviate and manage pain experienced by clients
- To increase coordination and balance
What is the education of a Registered Physiotherapist?
Registered Physiotherapists obtain a University degree usually in programs such as science and kinesiology, or a related area before they start their physiotherapy program. Physiotherapists are well-educated and complete clinical education in areas such as cardio respiratory, sports therapy, orthopedics, neurology, rheumatology, paediatrics, women’s health, and senior’s health.
In Ontario it is required for physiotherapists to successfully complete what is known as the Physiotherapy Competency Examination before they can become a registered physiotherapist.
How is Physiotherapy Regulated?
Physiotherapy is regulated in Canada by the College of Physiotherapists. The College is responsible for regulating physiotherapy in each province. The main concern of the College is to protect the public and to ensure that they are receiving safe and proper service. They are also concerned with guiding and directing the services provided by physiotherapists.
Do physiotherapists and chiropractors work together?
Yes. In our office we believe that the patient is VERY well served from the expertise drawn from both professions. We believe communication, not just between doctor and patient, but also between health professionals in the office is key to high quality care.
Does my insurance company pay for physiotherapy?
Every plan is worded a bit differently, but MOST plans cover your physiotherapy care. Certainly, feel free to check with your insurance provider.