While to some it might seem like torture, to others it brings great relief, but what exactly is physiotherapy treatment all about?
It’s more than just a poke and a prod and a sprinkle of oil to help relieve the pain and tension of a pre-existing injury and or discomfort.
In this latest blog from the team at North West Physiotherapy, we talk about what physiotherapy is and what kind of treatments are offered.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a tertiary-qualified, AHPRA-registered allied health profession that aims to improve quality of life by rehabilitating and improving a person’s ability to move and function. Utilising their expertise in the human body and its movements, physiotherapists assess, diagnose, manage and plan rehabilitation for a multitude of health conditions.
When should you see a physiotherapist?
A person may seek physiotherapy for a wide range of reasons including:
- Acute or chronic injury/medical condition (e.g. pain, tightness) relief.
- Sports injury prevention and management.
- Posture and movement correction.
- Flexibility, strength and balance assessment/management strategies.
- Surgical rehabilitation.
- Women’s health (pre/post-natal, pelvic floor disorders).
- Workplace/ergonomic set ups.
- Bone disorders e.g. osteoarthritis, osteoporosis.
- Neurological conditions e.g. stroke, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis.
Physiotherapists are considered first-contact practitioners – meaning you don’t require a doctor’s referral to be seen. Physiotherapists, doctors, surgeons and other health professionals will often work as part of a larger team to plan and manage treatment for differing health conditions.
If you visit your physiotherapist with an injury or medical issue outside the scope of physiotherapy, your therapist can refer you to your GP with a comprehensive outline of your presenting complaints.
Types of Physio Treatment
The most common physiotherapy treatment modalities include (but are not limited to):
- Advice, Discussion and Education
Benefit: North West Physiotherapy places a significant emphasis on explaining and discussing your injury/condition with you. A greater patient understanding often accelerates good outcomes from physiotherapy. - Manual Therapy e.g Soft/Deep Tissue Massage, Joint Manipulation/Mobilisation
Benefit: A hallmark of great physiotherapy is implementing highly-skilled manual therapy techniques designed to target any range of conditions. North West Physiotherapy focuses on a ‘hands-on’ approach to ensure the best possible result for our clients. - Westernised Acupuncture/Dry Needling
Benefit: Regularly used for relief in muscular pain and tightness. Additionally, release of muscular trigger points can improve joint flexibility/range of motion and assist reducing symptoms associated with nerve pain. - Exercise Therapy e.g. movement pattern correction, strengthening, stretching, balance
Benefit: The most important part of rehabilitation from an injury or medical condition is exercise. Depending on the needs of the client, the physiotherapist will prescribe individualised, specific exercises which will undoubtedly accelerate your rehabilitation. - Taping
Benefit: Taping has multiple benefits depending on the requirements of the client. Taping can be used to improve posture and joint positioning, reduce stress on body areas, restrict unwanted movement and provide generalised support.
What is physiotherapy treatment?
Whether you’re experiencing aches and pains or need some help to relieve an injury, talk to the professional team at North West Physiotherapy today. Call us on (07) 3353 4111.
North West Physiotherapy is your one-stop pain relief and healthy living practice in Brisbane. With six clinics across North Brisbane; Everton Park, Keperra, Eatons Hill, Nundah, Lutchwyche and Newmarket, our aim is to provide holistic healthcare solution to suit your specific lifestyle.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Sports Physio, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Dry Needling, Massage, Womens Health, and Seniors Strength and Balance Classes. Please note that services vary across our clinics.
Contact your local clinic to book an appointment.
