What Does a Physiotherapist Do? - MS Thera Cure

If you have ever suffered from an injury, illness or disability that affected your ability to move or perform daily activities, you may have benefited from the services of a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist is a health professional who helps people restore, maintain and improve their mobility, function and well-being. Physiotherapists can work with people of all ages and with various conditions, such as orthopedic, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, pelvic and musculoskeletal problems.

A physiotherapist has a thorough knowledge of the science of movement and how it relates to the health and function of the human body. They use various methods to assess, diagnose and treat their patients, such as:

Exercise:

Physiotherapists prescribe specific exercises to help their patients improve their strength, flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination. Exercises can also help prevent further injury or disease and manage chronic pain.

Manual Therapy:

Physiotherapists use their hands to manipulate, mobilize and massage the soft tissues and joints of the body. Manual therapy can help reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation, as well as improve blood circulation and healing.

Clinical Advice and Education:

Physiotherapists provide their patients with information and guidance on how to manage their condition, prevent complications and improve their quality of life. They also educate their patients on how to perform certain activities safely and correctly, such as walking, sitting, lifting or posture.

Assistive Devices:

Physiotherapists may recommend or provide their patients with assistive devices that can help them with their mobility and function. These devices can include braces, splints, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs or prosthetics.

Physiotherapists take a holistic approach to their practice, meaning that they consider not only the physical aspects of their patients' well-being, but also their emotional, psychological and social needs. They work closely with their patients to set realistic and achievable goals and to monitor their progress. They also collaborate with other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists or speech therapists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

To become a physiotherapist in the United States, one must complete a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, which usually takes three years. The curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education in various areas of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, behavioral sciences and more. After graduating from the program, one must pass a state exam to obtain a license to practice.

Physiotherapy is a rewarding career that can make a positive difference in the lives of many people. If you are interested in becoming a physiotherapist or learning more about what they do, you can visit the websites of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) for more information.