Physiotherapy - Hyperwell (2023)

FAQs

What are the 3 types of physiotherapy? ›

Both physical therapy and physiotherapy use movement and hands-on techniques to improve the body's condition, but they differ primarily in their approach to doing this. In short, physiotherapy is focused on manual therapies, while physical treatment is more exercise-based.

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

The most common side effects include soreness, stiffness, bruising, swelling, and redness. These symptoms are usually temporary and can be managed with the help of a qualified physiotherapist.

Massage therapy is commonly used for immediate relaxation of pain and muscle spasms, whereas physiotherapy is geared more towards rehabilitating muscle and joint function.

Physical therapist practice is guided by a set of seven core values: accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, profes- sional duty, and social responsibility.

If your back or joints feel locked, stiff, and sore or maybe haven't responded to other treatments, then a consultation with a chiropractor is recommended. Soft tissue problems are more commonly treated by physiotherapists as well as joint and muscular problems which are restricting movement and causing pain.

As mentioned earlier, osteopaths often treat more holistically than physiotherapists. An osteopath may treat one part of the body to reduce pain in another.

Manual therapy is a technique where a physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate, mobilise and massage the body tissues. This can help: relieve pain and stiffness. improve blood circulation.

Why would you go to a physiotherapist? ›

A physiotherapist will assess your condition and help you with physical problems. These might have come about because of an accident or injury, or you might have had them most of your life. Some physiotherapists treat children who have problems with their movement.

Minor injuries you might expect 2-3 sessions of physiotherapy; soft tissue injuries you would be looking more towards 6 – 8 weeks, as this is roughly how long it takes for soft tissue to heal in most cases; and more chronic or serious conditions taking 2 or more months of treatment depending on the level of progress ...

A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week. This is because it will be the most intensive portion of your treatment.

However, most people can comfortably get by with seeing their physiotherapist three times per week. The takeaway here is that your therapist will recommend a schedule that's best for your individual needs which can range between 2-3 times per week, often tapering down to 1-2 times per week as treatment advances.

There are many different forms of massage but the common type of massage used in physiotherapy is deep friction massage. This treatment involves applying pressure deep into the muscle to relieve tension and promote healing.

So, while both physiotherapists and podiatrists will both provide taping for sports injuries, massage, mobilise feet and assess posture and gait, it's important that your physiotherapist and podiatrist are both working together for the best overall outcome.

Discomfort and soreness are to be expected, because physical therapy, in order to work, must train your body. This is the same principle that applies when building strength through exercising or working out. The muscles must experience a certain amount of stress, which can lead to irritation and soreness.

Although each patient's physiotherapy program is unique and tailored to the nature of their physical issues, there are three types of physiotherapy exercises commonly included in rehabilitation programs: Balance.

What are the four pillars of physiotherapy explained? ›

The profession's scope of practice is defined by the royal charter, granted to the Society in 1922, which sets out the four pillars of physiotherapy practice as: massage, exercise and movement, electrotherapy and kindred methods of treatment.

Medical doctors have limited knowledge of anything related to the musculoskeletal system & Chiropractors have limited knowledge regarding pharmaceuticals. If you were to visit a medical doctor suffering back pain, strains, sprains and more you will most likely be instructed to take painkillers.

The primary difference between chiropractors and osteopaths is the degree they hold. An osteopath holds a medical degree and has the same medical rights as any M.D., including the right to prescribe medication.

In fact, having both therapies performed at the same time can accelerate your recovery. Chiropractic care addresses the joint dysfunction which can cause nerve irritation while physical therapy helps retrain the musculoskeletal support system so the body can heal faster.

When should I go see a physiotherapist? Think about getting physiotherapy if you have an injury, or chronic pain that affects how you function everyday. A doctor may refer you to physiotherapy after surgery such as a hip replacement, or an event such as a heart attack or stroke.

Orthopedics

The most popular physical therapy specialty is orthopedic physical therapy, which involves treating conditions of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.

In many instances, physiotherapy can also be used to enhance the benefits of medications and improve recovery times after surgery. Therefore, even if physical therapy does not eliminate your pain or condition, it can help support improved quality of life.

If you have an injury or illness affecting your ability to carry out your daily activities, your best option may be physical therapy. It will help get you back on your feet. The treatment helps patients manage pain and enjoy improved motor function, mobility, and balance.

What are the 4 main types of physical therapy? ›

Orthopaedic physiotherapy can help with some of the following problems: Chronic pain. Neck pain. Improve motor skills when recovering from an injury.

The list of diseases treated by physical therapy includes neurological disorders, genetic, or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as sports injuries or even common issues like dizziness.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week. This is because it will be the most intensive portion of your treatment.

The 4 P's: prioritizing, pacing, planning, and positioning - provide four different paths to help you effectively manage and navigate persistent pain in your everyday life.

The most challenging part of being a therapist is treating the whole individual and each individual is different. Many people have other health conditions, physical limitations or cognitive challenges that can affect the way their case is managed. In other words, you don't just treat a specific body part or diagnosis.

What is neurological physiotherapy? ›

What is neurophysiotherapy? A neurophysiotherapist assesses and treats people with neurological conditions. These are conditions associated with the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and nerves. People with neurological conditions can often have complex problems including: Muscle weakness.

Chiropractic care

Focuses mostly on issues related to back pain, neck pain, joint pain in the arms or legs, and headaches. Physical therapists help you perform stretches and exercises, as well as performing some manipulations for certain conditions, to improve your mobility.

Again, chiropractors focus on one part of your body, the muscles, which many patients might not adjust well to. Physical therapy will always be the better option out of the two, because a physical therapist will fix the overall problem, allowing you to recover and get you back up on your feet, and active.