What Is the Role of Physiotherapy in Healthcare?

Whether you’re taking steps to recover from an injury, improve your mobility, or even correct your posture – physiotherapy could be a crucial step on your journey back to better health. Our skilled teams at CBI Health are proud to provide safe, quality, client-centered care through our commitment to accessibility and excellence.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, is shaped by scientific evidence and comprehensive education which in tandem provides the space to practice this distinct, holistic, and functional discipline. Its unique approach is rooted in the belief that to be effective, its services must respond to the changing needs of individuals and populations within the community. As life-long learners, physiotherapists commit to ongoing learning that continuously improves their clinical, communication, and care skills. Due to the ever-evolving nature of this practice, we are proud to share that treatment is never a “one-size-fits-all” solution and must be fitted to the needs of each individual.

What is a Physiotherapist’s Expertise? 

Physiotherapists study the science of movement and learn how to pinpoint an injury’s root causes. A Physiotherapist can support individuals in their community by:

• Promoting physical activity and overall health
• Preventing disease, injury, and disability
• Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and restrictions
• Improving and maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance
• Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability with therapeutic exercise programs
• Educating and planning maintenance and support programs to prevent reoccurrence, re-injury or functional decline

When Should I See a Physiotherapist?

Though there are many reasons to consider a physiotherapy consultation, motivators like an injury, a health condition, or pain are the primary indicators that you should seek care. Persistent pain that lasts more than a few days or gets worse, recurring pain that doesn’t go away completely, and severe pain that’s accompanied by other symptoms like tingling or numbness are all signs that require immediate attention. Additionally, you may be referred by a doctor after surgery such as a hip replacement, or an event such as a heart attack or stroke.

What Problems Do Physiotherapists Treat?

Physiotherapists focus on both, prevention and rehabilitation for problems caused by injury, disease, or disability. Examples of issues your physiotherapist can treat are:

• Neck and back pain caused by problems in the muscles and skeleton
• Problems in the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, such as arthritis and the after-effects of amputation
• Lung problems such as asthma
• Disability as a result of heart problems
• Pelvic issues, such as bladder and bowel problems related to childbirth
• Loss of mobility because of trauma to the brain or spine, or due to neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• Fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of muscle strength, for example during cancer treatment or palliative care 

What Can I Expect at My Physiotherapy Appointment?

Given that everyone has unique concerns, needs, and goals, your care plan will be equally as unique! However, each session will follow a similar format and structure. In general, you can expect your physiotherapist to learn about your medical history before completing your assessment and providing a diagnosis. Next, you’ll receive an individualized treatment plan that sets goals specifically tailored to fit you and your lifestyle. Your physiotherapist will discuss the ways you can work as active participants to help you improve throughout your course of therapy alongside therapeutic exercises, devices, or a combination of techniques to assist you in your recovery journey.