The aim of physiotherapy is to restore proper functioning to the body.  As well as treating a specific injury or illness, the physiotherapist will also consider ways to improve your general well-being and quality of life.  The primary role of a physiotherapist is to understand the cultural, psychological and social factors that affect their patients. 

Physiotherapists in particular concentrate on the underlying caused of pain, affecting joints, muscles or nerves.  They take a holistic approach to an injury or disease, looking at the body as a whole.  For example, back pain can be caused by a number of factors including posture, diet, exercise, work and stress. 

Patient education is an important part of physiotherapy.  As well as aiming to improve your strength and mobility, physiotherapy teaches you how to manage your condition more effectively, through healthy nutrition and regular exercise. 

Physiotherapists use a range of techniques, the most common being:

·    Massage and manipulation – these can be used to improve circulation, to help fluid drain from parts of your body more effectively, to improve movement of different parts of your body, or to relieve pain and help relaxation.

·    Exercise and movement – these are designed to strengthen your body and improve your range of movement.

·    Electrotherapy – stimulates your nervous system, and helps promote the healing process.

·    Hydrotherapy – improves circulation, relieves pain and relaxes tension in your muscles.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

·    Relieves back and neck pain

·    Relieves pain and sports injuries

·    Eliminates headaches

·    Relieves stress

·    Improves blood circulation

·    Restores normal mobility

·    Improves general well-being and quality of life

·    Manages and prevents chronic conditions 

Physiotherapist for the treatment of depression & anxiety

Catherine Pope, chair of CPMH (The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) in the UK, says that “Depression sufferers may experience a number of symptoms such as headaches, back, neck and generalised aches and pains.  They can also suffer from sleep disorders, which can lead to discomfort. “

She continues, “Physiotherapists can help by treating these physical and psychological problems.  They can help tackle depression itself by developing ways of lifting mood.  There is plenty of evidence to suggest physical activity is effective in treating people with mild to moderate depression, thereby reducing the need for medication.