What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the health care profession which aims to enhance and restore functional ability to physical impairments and disabilities (basically the treatment of poor movement).

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives.

Physiotherapists examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent the reoccurrence of these problems.

Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential. It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness. Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, for example, helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements. However, physiotherapists don't just offer treatment; their advice can help you prevent problems from returning or even from happening in the first place.

Virtually any condition that affects your muscles, joints, or nerves can be helped by physiotherapy. Common problems include:

- Painful conditions such as arthritis
- Back and neck pain, including whiplash
- Problems affecting children including cerebral palsy
- Pregnancy-related symptoms such as back pain and stress incontinence
- Upper limb work-related problems, also know as repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Asthma and other breathing difficulties
- Sports injuries
- Stroke and other neurological problems.