Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future. Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems affecting:-
- The brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, multiple
sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease
- Bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports
injuries
- Heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack
- Lungs and breathing – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic
fibrosis
Physiotherapists consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness. Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:-
- Manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and
stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body
- Movement, tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended
to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body
Education and advice – physiotherapists can give general advice about things that can affect
your daily lives, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent
injuries
