Physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment for the musculo-skeletal system. The most commonly treated conditions are traumatic such as sporting injuries or degenerative such as wear and tear. The aims of physiotherapy are threefold: assessment, treatment and prevention of recurrences.
Physiotherapy is the offspring of Massage, established at Guy's Hospital in 1888, and can trace its roots to Ancient Greece. In its basic form, it is the "use of physical means for preventing and treating disease and injury, for developing and restoring function for activities of daily living and assisting the process of rehabilitation.” Chartered Physiotherapists have expanded beyond this early scope, now being actively involved in paramedical procedures such as giving injections.
The combination of manual therapy and occasional use of electrotherapy, when necessary, will encourage correction and recovery from injury. Through exercise rehabilitation and education, recurrence of injury is minimised - although compliance is the responsibility of the patient as Physiotherapy is not a passive healing process.
What is it good for?
“I have been aware of something in my knee which simply doesn't feel right, although exactly what it is I cannot say". The role of physiotherapy here is to identify the mechanism of injury in the first case and analyse the potential tissue damage or mechanical stress. The benefit of medical-based training is that in both cases the practitioner would be alerted to pathological causes of pain as the knee may have been weakened due to medical conditions other than mechanical injury. Bones, soft tissue, trauma - injuries. The most common injuries physio's treat are back pain, shoulder and knee pain.
What happens in a consultation?
A full case history is taken to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The practitioner will then systematically work through recognised assessment protocol for the presenting problem. Once a clinical hypothesis has been reached treatment then management and/or advice will be offered.
Preparation and Requirements
None required.