ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Physiotherapy is a science-based medical or healthcare profession that promotes recovery and restoration of normal bodily functions in illness, injury or disability. It aims to restore movement and functional ability to your full potential.
Physiotherapy is an independent profession where practitioners make our own treatment decisions and clinical judgements. We constantly reassess the results of treatments and adjust our collaborative approach accordingly for optimal outcomes.
We have a thorough understanding of how the body works, gained from many years of rigorous academic study and practical experience. We are, therefore, able to diagnose and manage many conditions. A qualified physiotherapist is a trained medical practitioner (we study at a medical school and are trained in hospitals and clinics) and, therefore, you do not need a referral to attend therapy.
WHEN DO I NEED PHYSIOTHERAPY?
It is recommended that you seek professional help if you are experiencing pain or disability that:
- is not improving
- is worsening
- is severe
- is recurrent or persistent
- negatively affects your mood
- is limiting your daily activities
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Physiotherapy helps you to help yourself. As with all other healthcare services, it IS NOT a passive intervention and it is DEFINITELY NOT A MASSAGE. We work together as a team to achieve your goals. Therefore, you have an active role in your own improvement. It is most effective when based on realistic goals and expectations.
It can help you to discover the patterns that keep you stuck in painful cycles, facilitate self- and body awareness, empower you with ways to deal with disability, identify the triggers to your pain, and build resiliency so that you can find well-being and get back to doing the things that you enjoy.