Physiotherapists may only be a doctor if they have attained a doctorate degree (PhD) or higher from a university.
While these two professions are sometimes confused for one another, they are fundamentally different. A medical doctor is defined as a health professional or general practitioner who has completed a medical degree and is qualified to diagnose and treat illnesses. A physiotherapist may have different levels of qualification and may not be able to diagnose and manage illnesses. However, some people argue that physiotherapists (without PhD) should be considered medical doctors because they have a high level of training and expertise in their field.
In addition, their profession requires them to keep up to date with the latest research and treatments by completing continuing education courses. This extensive training means that physiotherapists are highly skilled in their field and can help you recover from an injury or illness.
Physiotherapists are allied health practitioners, which means they practise medicine in some forms. As an allied health professional, a physiotherapist (or physical therapist) will have an essential function in a patient's management plan, including the diagnosis and prevention of disease and other treatments of low back pain, musculoskeletal injury, cerebral palsy etc.
Recovery from an injury or surgery
Management of chronic conditions such as arthritis
Treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma
Rehabilitation after a stroke or other neurological condition
Physical therapy
Assistance with activities of daily living
If you are looking for a highly skilled and qualified professional to help you recover from an illness or injury, a physiotherapist may be the right choice for you.
Physiotherapists are experts in the rehabilitation and complete treatment of injuries and conditions that affect movement. They can help with a wide range of issues, such as:
Back and neck pain
Arthritis
Muscle pain
Sports injuries
Workplace injuries
Stroke
Pregnancy-related problems
Hip or knee replacement surgery rehabilitation
As a specialist, a physiotherapist uses a variety of clinical techniques to help a person recover.
This involves hands-on techniques, such as massage, mobilisation, and manipulation, to loosen tight muscles and joints.
This may involve recommending an exercise plan for a person who needs to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, or a person who needs to reduce the risk of non-communicable disease.
This involves exercising in water, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapists often give patients advice on how to manage their condition themselves, as well as information on lifestyle changes that can help improve their health.
Physiotherapists may have private practices or work in a clinical setting such as a hospital. Also, a medical doctor may need to refer you, or you decide to consult a physiotherapy specialist on your own. Once you visit a physiotherapy clinic, the physiotherapy specialist will assess your condition and ask you some questions about your diagnosis and symptoms, and how they are impacting your life. They will also conduct a medical history assessment to know what medicine you were placed on by the medical doctor. Knowing which medicine was prescribed by the doctor will allow and the potential side effects of the medication and what physiotherapy technique will be most suitable for you. They will then develop a plan tailored to your needs. This may involve a combination of exercises, and other techniques. You should attend physio sessions regularly, and work on the exercises at home in between sessions.
It takes 4 years to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) in Australia. So, if you are looking for a highly skilled and qualified professional to help you recover from an illness or injury, a physiotherapist may be the right choice for you.
Yes. This usually involves prescribing a set of exercises that the patient can do at home in between sessions. Exercises usually include a mix of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises.
If you are looking for help managing an injury or illness, there are a few alternatives to a physiotherapist.
Chiropractic is an adjustment of the body's skeletal and musculoskeletal development and condition.
An osteopath uses manual therapy, massage, and manipulation to help treat conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and joint problems.
A massage therapist uses massage techniques to help relieve tension and improve circulation.
Acupuncture is an old Chinese traditional practice. An acupuncturist uses acupuncture needles to stimulate certain points on the body. This can help relieve pain and improve symptoms of arthritis and chronic pain conditions.
The time may vary depending on your condition. However, most times a patient attend sessions for several weeks or even months. You need to continue with the exercises prescribed by the therapist, even after completing therapy sessions. This can help ensure that you maintain your progress and avoid relapsing or recurring injuries.
A physiotherapist may use a variety of massage techniques, which can help to relieve tension and improve circulation.
This is a gentle, relaxing form of massage that uses circular strokes to promote relaxation and ease tension.
This is a more intense type of massage that targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
This involves massaging and squeezing specific points on the body that are known to trigger pain in other parts of the body.
For more information on physiotherapy, take a look at the HealthDirect website.