Physiotherapy is concerned with the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of patients with physical limitations or injuries
The physiotherapist plays a vital role in managing people with acute or chronic health conditions that affect the ability to move freely plus reduce pain. Physiotherapists may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, injury clinics, general practice, sports injury clinics, specialist rehabilitation centres, community health centres and private practices. The physiotherapy team may include specially trained professionals such as clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists. The physiotherapist works with the patient to assess the cause of their problem, determine if it is treatable, and develop an appropriate treatment plan that prevents further injury to the nervous system. To assess a patient's condition, the physiotherapist may carry out tests that require skill in assessing movement patterns or localisation of sensations. The aim of this holistic approach is to provide more information that can be used as part of the patient's management program. Some conditions treated by physiotherapists are acute back pain; neck pain; shoulder pain; whiplash injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents; fractures (broken bones) Arthritis (ligament tears) following sporting injuries; osteoporosis; arthritis (joint problems); asthma; neurological illnesses (such as Parkinson's disease); foot injuries; cystic fibrosis, sports injuries; cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and other conditions.
Many physiotherapists work within a multi-disciplinary team with other health care professionals, particularly in hospital-based or chronic care settings. These allied professionals may include the below.
OTs (occupational therapists) who offer palliative care to people suffering from injuries resulting from accidents, including hand injuries arising from workplace accidents.
Dieticians with expertise in nutritional issues surrounding injury rehabilitation, weight loss caused by illness or inactivity, chronic disease management and nutrition life in young children.
Psychiatrists who treat patients with mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, clinical depression and other psychological problems.
Athletic therapists who assist professional athletes to maintain the highest level of performance by using exercise,massage, modalities, acupuncture and kinesiology taping (applying elastic therapeutic tape). These professionals may also help prepare athletes for events or training periods.
Graduates of physiotherapy should be capable of the below.
Assessing the patient's general health condition.
Doing a focused physical examination.
Developing appropriate management plans tailored for specific patients.
Implementing the plan by providing evidence-based treatments, which may include manual therapy techniques, exercise programs or other treatments such as electrotherapy modalities (such as ultrasound and joint manipulation).
Electrotherapy modalities are used for pain control, muscle re-education and wound healing.
Providing advice about self-care/home treatment.
Advising on how to access community resources to enhance the patient's rehabilitation potential.
Educating patients and their families about their condition (including prevent multidisciplinary the patient's progress and modifying the treatment plan as required.
In many cases, they are part of a multidisciplinary team where physiotherapist physiotherapy collaborate with the doctor's referral to plan the patients' treatment. For example, an inpatient in a hospital may be under the care of several different health professionals, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medical assistants (physician's assistants).
They both may treat patients with specific physical problems or injuries.
Loss of function in limbs (e.g. following a stroke).
Arthritis.
Pain management, where manual therapy techniques and advice on home exercises are prescribed.
Practice changes that encourage good health habits (such as smoking cessation).
The fee for a physiotherapy consultation will vary depending on the therapist's location, experience and qualifications. The average cost of a consultation is around $75-$100 in Australia. However, many health funds offer rebates for physiotherapy services, so it is worth checking with your provider to see if you are eligible.
Yes. A physiotherapist will provide a detailed exercise program for the patient that is tailored to their professional standards and level of function. This usually involves performing a number of exercises at home, emphasising building shoulder/arm/leg strength and flexibility. In some cases, this may also include other techniques such as acupuncture or dry needling by a professional. Some patients may require advice about using weights or resistance bands while exercising. The physiotherapist should give you clear instructions about what you should do during your rehab. They should not only tell you how but also help you understand why the exercises are important and emphasise good technique during the performance. Once the initial assessment is complete, a patient will be given a detailed exercise program that is suitable for their condition. The frequency and intensity of treatment may vary depending on the patient's level of function, severity/progress of the injury and other factors such as age. Most physiotherapists will see patients 1-3 times per week.
In most cases, a physiotherapy program will continue until the patient improves and can cope with normal daily activities. In some cases patients may require a longer program if they have a severe injury or require specific exercises to manage their condition. Physiotherapists use a number of different techniques to treat injuries and help the patient's rehabilitation.
A physiotherapist is an allied health professional who has gone through a professional doctorate program and studied anatomy, physiology (and kinesiology), pathology, psychology and education, in addition to undertaking supervised clinical placements in hospitals, sports clubs and aged-care facilities. A general practitioner physiotherapist can assess, diagnose and initiate treatment for patients with musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and arthritis fractures. They are also trained to deal with sports injuries such as sprains, strains and tendinitis.
Most physiotherapists specialise in treating certain conditions or parts of the body, e.g. back pain or arthritis. Most physiotherapy clinics will employ thematic specialists who concentrate on specific areas of physiotherapy, e.g. sports injury therapy, women's health physiotherapy etc. This makes it easier for patients to find a therapist that they will be comfortable working with and ensures that people get better results because therapists focus entirely on their area of expertise. For more information about physiotherapists, take a look at the Healthdirect website.