Physiotherapy is a practice that takes a “whole person” approach to health and wellbeing, and is extensively used for the treatment of injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function of the body through the use of exercise, manual therapy, movement and massage.
A person can benefit from physiotherapy at any time in their life. Physiotherapy assists with the treatment of generalised or localised pain, sudden injury, long-term medical conditions such as asthma or cerebral palsy, and in preparing a patient for childbirth or a sporting event.
Physiotherapy encompasses the following practices:
Manipulation:
Range of motion exercises are often prescribed to increase or maintain flexibility of your joints and to reduce stiffness. There several types of Range of Motion exercises including:
Physiotherapy can be prescribed to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:
Certain conditions can cause your muscles to become weak. Strengthening exercises are an important part of physiotherapy rehabilitation to prepare you for your return to your original performance level or highest possible function.
Soft tissue mobilization or therapeutic massage may be a part of your physiotherapy treatment to relax your tight muscles, relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Other treatment options include Joint Mobilization, Gait (Walking) Training / Assistive Device Training, Postural Training, Ergonomic Training, Balance Exercises, Traction and Taping.