Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy includes accessing the patient planning and implementing the treatment programme evaluating and then altering the treatment as the result of evaluation. An assessment includes an examination, and the consequent clinical decision about whether treatment is appropriate and if so the aims, and the objectives that may be achieved. The examination identifies the problem presented by patient as the result of his disease and injury. Also it considers other factors that could affects the problems, for example the age of the patient, his attitude and response to the disease or injury, his conditions, and his work. He physiotherapist must understand the social, cultural and environmental factors as these may affect the ultimate requirements of each patient with regard to home, wok and leisure. When planning the treatment the techniques must be carefully selected to fulfil the aims and objectives, and then evaluated and changed as necessary. There is no regiment or recipe of techniques that can be applied to any one condition, as disease and injury do not run the same course in every patient.

The skill of the physiotherapist lies in the ability to gain the cooperation of the patient, to make a good assessment, to select the appropriated techniques, to implement and evaluate the treatment plan effectively thus leading the patient towards complete or optimal independence. Thus the physiotherapist is involved in the complex decision-making process in order to give an effective treatment which considers the whole patient and the environment.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to working with people to identify and maximize their ability to move and function throughout their lifespan.

Specifically, physiotherapists improve clients’ quality of life by:

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

Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids.

Physiotherapy services are those that are performed by physiotherapists or any other trained individuals working under a physiotherapist’s direction and supervision.