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Physiotherapy Q&A

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Physiotherapy Q&A


1. What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, or Physical Therapy, is a HealthCare profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment to restore the physical function and performance of the body. It is a distinct form of care which can be performed both, in isolation or in conjunction with other types of medical management. Used in conjunction with certain medical or surgical techniques, physiotherapy can complement these techniques to help provide optimum return to normal activities.

Physiotherapy deals with a wide range of injuries, disease processes, and other conditions, including:
2. How can physiotherapy help me?
Physiotherapy can help individuals by identifying the problem area and treating this directly. Physiotherapists treat a wide variety of injuries and problems using many different techniques. In many cases, the causes of pain and dysfunction are obvious, but sometimes things are not so black and white, especially when symptoms are inconsistent or difficult to describe. Physiotherapists can perform a wide range of tests to help locate the source of the problem and implement the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation strategy.

3. Identifying the causes and predisposing factors.
Physiotherapists are not only interested in the problem, but factors which contribute to the problem. Identifying factors such as poor posture, improper techniques, muscle imbalances, deficient core stability or poor work practices are examples. Correcting these factors will reduce the risk of the same thing happening again in the future.

4. Providing Rehabilitation following occupational or sporting injuries.
Specific strength and conditioning programs (e.g. Pilates*) can help you get back to work or sport faster.

5. Providing rehabilitation and exercise before and after surgery.
If you are having or have had major surgery, physiotherapists are often involved in pre-operative and/or post-operative programs to optimise your recovery.

6. Providing advice on exercise programs.
If you have the urge to get fit and stay healthy, one of the best ways to do this is through regular exercise. However if you have not done any serious exercise for a while, it may be advisable to seek assistance from a City Clinic Physiotherapist to devise an appropriate program for your needs, and ensure you are not at risk of injury.

7. Providing or advising on special equipment.
With different conditions or disease processes, special equipment may be required. Physiotherapists can advise on many different types of equipment, including splints, walking aids, wheelchairs, occupational equipment etc.

8. Do I need a referral from my GP?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, whilst many patients are referred by Doctors, many Physiotherapy patients self-refer.

9. Where Physiotherapists Specialise?
Physiotherapists deal primarily with acute or chronic conditions such as:

Sports injuries Muscle imbalances/weakness/poor core stability Back and neck pain or stiffness Muscle strains/contusions Joint sprains/stiffness/instability	Muscle spasm Tendonitis/Bursitis Rehabilitation following occupational injury, surgery Arthritis and Osteoporosis

The physiotherapist uses a variety of different treatment methods to help speed up the healing process and reduce the likelihood of the same thing happening again. Some of the techniques include:

Manual techniques (massage, joint mobilisation, manipulation, stretches) Electrotherapy (ultrasound, interferential, TENS, laser acupuncture) Heat and cold Therapeutic exercise Correction of posture, lifting techniques, sporting techniques which contribute to the problem Taping, bandaging, splinting Hydrotherapy

The physiotherapist is not only concerned with treating the injury, but with finding the cause and correcting any biomechanical factors which may contribute to the injury. This may involve consultation with colleagues in Podiatry and Pilates*.

*

Pilates Instructors should be fully qualified by a recognised association or tertiary facility. Always ask to see a Pilates Instructors credentials before beginning any program regardless of the company or studio providing Pilates instruction. City Clinic and it's affiliates do not recognise nor support Pilates Instruction or Teacher Programs offered by the Pilates Institute of Australasia Pty Ltd or associated companies.