What is Physiotherapy?

Venues

Willicombe

Willicombe Park

Tunbridge Wells

Kent

TN2 3UU

Tel: 01892 615819

Fax: 01892 615819

 

farmhouse

Blackham Court

Withyham

Hartfield

East Sussex

TN7 4DB

Tel: 01892 770267

Fax: 01892 770657

 

Physiotherapy, or Physical Therapy, is a Healthcare profession concerned with the assessment, maintenance, and restoration of the physical function and performance of the body. It is a distinct form of care which can be performed both in isolation or in conjunction with other types of medical management. Used in conjunction with certain medical or surgical techniques, physiotherapy can complement these techniques to help provide a speedy and complication-free return to normal activity.

Physiotherapy can be useful in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of injuries, disease processes, and other conditions, including:

How can physiotherapy help me?

Physiotherapy can help individuals by:

Identifying the problem area and treating this directly Physiotherapists treat a wide variety of injuries and problems using many different techniques. In many cases, the causes of pain and dysfunction are obvious, but sometimes things are not so black and white, especially when symptoms are inconsistent or difficult to describe. Physiotherapists can perform a wide range of tests to help locate the source of the problem and implement the appropriate treatment strategy.

Identifying the causes and predisposing factors Physiotherapists are not only interested in the problem, but factors which contribute to the problem. Identifying factors such as poor posture, improper techniques, muscle imbalances, poor work practices, or other bad habits allow interventions to be made to correct these factors. This will reduce the risk of the same thing happening again in the future.

Providing Rehabilitation following occupational or sporting injuries Physiotherapists can help you get back to work or sport more quickly by providing rehabilitation programs and advice on how to prevent a recurrence of the injury.

Providing rehabilitation and exercise before and after surgery If you are having or have had major surgery, physiotherapists are often involved in pre-operative and/or post-operative programs to help get you moving again, making sure your length of stay in hospital is not unexpectedly extended.

Providing advice on exercise programs If you have the urge to get fit and stay healthy, one of the best ways to do this is by through regular exercise. However if you have not done any serious exercise for a while, it may be advisable to seek assistance to devise an appropriate program for your needs, and ensure you are not at risk of injury.

Providing or advising on special equipment With different conditions or disease processes, special equipment may be required. Physiotherapists can advise on many different types of equipment, including splints, walking aids, wheelchairs, occupational equipment etc.