The Different Types of Physiotherapy

There are many different types of physiotherapy. There are also specific fields in which physiotherapists can choose to specialise in. The areas include pediatrics, women's health and sports medicine plus many more. In general, there are three main areas of physiotherapy which are explained below:

Musculoskeletal- This is the treatment of bones, joint and muscles. The most common forms of injuries/ailments which fall within this type are common conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, sprains, sports injuries, posture issues, reduced mobility as well as incontinence. After surgery this can also be offered to assist with rehabilitation.

Cardiothoracic- This refers to the treatment of disorders relating to the cardio-respiratory system. This includes things like asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This form of physiotherapy may also assist in rehabilitation after thoracic surgery.

Neurological- The involves disorders relating to the nervous system. For instance people who have had a stoke, spinal cord injury, head injury, have Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis may be assisted with the use of neurological physiotherapy. This can also assist with rehabilitation after brain surgery. In order to treat a variety of conditions, physiotherapists use a number of techniques. These include:

Manual therapy- This includes massage, stretching, resistance training and manipulation as well as joint and spinal mobilisation.

Exercise programs- You may be asked to complete a number of exercises under the guidance and direction of your practitioner. These may include-muscle strengthening, cardiovascular training, stretching and posture retraining.

Electrotherapy techniques- These include treatment methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser therapy, diathermy and ultrasound.

Other techniques- There are many techniques other than the ones mentioned above that are used to treat a number of conditions. Some of these treatments include: correcting incorrect sporting techniques, taping and splinting, providing information on equipment aids, for instance wheelchairs and walking frames.
I hope you've found this information on the different types of physiotherapy useful. The real aim of physiotherapy is to restore the functions of the body, whether that issue is considered musculoskeletal, neurological or a cardiothoracic condition. Always make sure that the physiotherapist you are visiting is qualified. In Australia, physiotherapists are trained at university and are registered health professionals. Remember, you don't need a doctors referral to see a physiotherapist, however if you do have an ailment, consulting with your general practitioner if you are unsure is a good idea instead of directly going to a physical therapist. There are many different types of physiotherapy and areas in which a physiotherapist may decide to specialise in, depending on their area of interest. It's more than just the treatment of muscles and join pain too, offering a holistic approach to the health of the entire body. I hope our summary of the different types of physiotherapy available has given you some insight as to some of the broader conditions that physiotherapists can treat and some of the different types of treatment methods used to do so.

By the way, do you want to learn more about Health and Fitness? If so, I suggest you check Physiotherapy and Physiotherapist.

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