What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, helps people improve their physical movement and reduce pain. It’s used for people of all ages who have been injured, had surgery, or have long-term health issues affecting their movement.
How Does It Work?
Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments to help their patients. These treatments might include:
- Exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. For example, stretching exercises can help with stiff muscles.
- Manual Therapy: This includes hands-on techniques like massage to relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Using heat packs to relax muscles or ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Electrotherapy: Using small electrical currents to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Hydrotherapy: Performing exercises in water to reduce the pressure on joints and muscles.
Benefits
Physiotherapy helps people:
- Recover from injuries and surgeries
- Improve their movement and strength
- Manage pain from chronic conditions like arthritis
- Prevent future injuries