What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases, disorders, and disabilities using physical means. Practiced by physiotherapists or physical therapists, physiotherapy is considered within the realm of conventional medicine. Though physiotherapy is typically practiced by physical therapists, certain tasks may be delegated to trained assistants or other types of health professionals.

Physiotherapy begins with an assessment of the patient's condition. This assessment typically includes a medical history review and a physical examination. Often, the medical history review is considered a subjective examination, while the physical exam is considered objective. Both elements are important to successfully examining and treating the patient. The assessment stage may, in some cases, involve diagnostic tests to better evaluate the patient's condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

Treatment is guided by the findings of the assessment. Based on the unique needs of the patient, various physiotherapeutic treatment methods are employed. Such methods may include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary physiotherapy techniques. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are constantly evolving as the field grows.

In addition to the physiotherapeutic methods used in treatment, physical therapists often provide patients with guidance regarding such things as walking devices and mobility aids. Good physical therapists also work hard to help patients stay informed about their particular conditions and the required treatments. Patient education is key to the success of physiotherapy.

To become a physical therapist in the United States, an individual must first obtain a graduate degree from an accredited physiotherapy program. Upon completing this program, the individual must then take the national licensure examination. Many educational institutions offer programs leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Different requirements may exist in other countries.

After completing the training required to practice physiotherapy, an individual may choose to obtain training and certification in a specialty area. In the United States, for example, a physical therapist may choose to take an exam for the purpose of earning certification in a sub-specialty of physiotherapy. These specialty areas include cardiovascular and pulmonary, sports therapy, geriatric, neurological, orthopedic, pediatric, and electrophysiologic physical therapy.

Those interested in careers in physiotherapy should be prepared for rigorous education. Maintaining high grades in both high school and college is helpful when applying to physical therapy education programs. This is particularly true in regard to science courses. In addition to having a high aptitude for science and math, an individual seeking a physical therapy career should have excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating compassion and the sincere desire to provide help to patients in need.

A surgeon might be able to reattach a limb or repair a broken bone, but it often takes physical therapy to restore a patient's function. Physical therapy, broadly speaking, involves direct manipulation of muscles, joints and other parts of the body affected by an injury or chronic illness. Strength training, heat treatments, massage and supervised exercises may all be elements of physical therapy. Individual physical therapy regimens often depend on the type of injury or condition, the patient's age and specialized treatments prescribed by a physician.

Sometimes physical therapy is used to address the injury itself and other times it is used to help the patient compensate for the loss of use. Physical therapists may use strength training, for example, to make life on a walker or in a wheelchair more bearable. Other forms of physical therapy may actually improve range of motion or realignment of the affected area. Patients may have to learn how to use their non-dominant hand or develop a new walking style to accommodate a prosthesis.

Physical therapy may also involve the use of braces, walkers or other mobility aids. Patients may be encouraged to exercise the injured areas while wearing supportive devices. Water therapy may also be used to reduce the amount of weight placed on an injured limb. Physical therapy can also duplicate the conditions patients may face at work or home during a typical day.

The field of physical therapy, much like other medical-related occupations, continues to grow in demand. Professional physical therapists attend at least four years in college-level training, with a heavy emphasis on human physiology and biology. Most candidates also spend years working directly with experienced physical therapists before seeking their own licenses to practice. There are numerous occupations available for a physical therapy major, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, professional sports teams and hospitals. Many physical therapists continue their training and become supervisors or private practitioners for home health care needs.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-physical-therapy.htm