PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for a plethora of conditions, and the following treatments can help lessen the recovery time after a variety of surgeries.

Physiotherapists can specialise in several different areas, including sports medicine, children’s health (paediatrics), and women’s health, and within these parameters, there are three different areas of practice. These are:

·      Musculoskeletal which is also called orthopaedic physiotherapy and is used to treat conditions such as sprains, back pain, arthritis, strains, incontinence, bursitis, posture problems, sport and workplace injuries, plus reduced mobility. Rehabilitation following surgery is also included within this category.

·      Neurological. This is used to treat disorders of the nervous system, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. It can also be used for rehabilitation following brain surgery.

·      Cardiothoracic is the name given to the treatment of used asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other cardio-respiratory disorders.

Types of treatment in physiotherapy

Each individual’s treatment is tailored to suit their specific requirements, and a physiotherapist will choose from a wide range of therapies, including:

·      Manual therapies – These can include joint manipulation and mobilisation (which provides for spinal mobilisation), manual resistance training, and stretching.

·      Exercise programmes – Such as muscle strengthening, posture re-training, cardiovascular stretching and training.

·      Electrotherapy techniques – Consists of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), laser therapy, diathermy, and ultrasound.

In many cases, an injury can be caused by other underlying factors. It could be that constant back pain is caused by repetitive work-related activities, bad posture, being overweight, or even adopting the wrong technique when playing a sport. Accordingly, the physiotherapist not only treats the back pain but addresses the other factors too. This holistic approach aims to reduce the risk of the injury happening again.

Physiotherapists in Australia have trained in universities and are registered health professionals. A referral by a doctor is not a requirement to visit a physiotherapist, but medical doctors may recommend a course of physiotherapy to help treat an injury or condition. The Australian Physiotherapy Association is the professional body governing this industry, and practitioners can be found via contact with this association.