Is Physiotherapy Massage? Understanding physiotherapy.

To answer this we need to understand the scope of Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is broad and hence no single definition can accurately describe it. Bear with me on this, OK?

It’s clear that physiotherapists are the specialist in movement. According to Wikipedia, “physiotherapy is one of the allied health professions that, by using evidence-based kinesiology, electrotherapy, shockwave modality, exercise prescription, joint mobilization and health education, treats conditions such as chronic or acute pain, soft tissue injuries, cartilage damage, arthritis, gait disorders and physical impairments typically of musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological and endocrinological origins. Physical therapy is used to improve a patient’s physical functions through physical examination, diagnosis, prognosis, physical intervention, rehabilitation and patient education.”

We do identify physiotherapists mostly in sports; however, it’s good to understand that they play a vital role in your health apart from sports.

What do physiotherapists do then?

Let’s break it down into simpler forms:

In Orthopaedics:

What role do they play here you ask? Well, I will explain.

Have you ever had back pain, sprains, strains, fractures, neck pain, osteoporosis, spondylosis, amputation, tendinopathy, bursitis, arthritis, and hip/elbow/shoulder/knee/foot or ankle pain? Whom did you see? Did you get a rehab program from your physiotherapist?

If you didn’t, you should’ve. For optimum recovery, physiotherapy is essential in the above conditions and plays a vital role in rehab.

Physiotherapists use manual manipulation/mobilization, modalities, exercise, education programs, soft tissue manipulation, tapping among other techniques in treatment.

So next time, ask to see a physiotherapist if you are diagnosed with any of that, right.

In Cardiopulmonary:

Have you been to ICU or been admitted to ICU? Well, physiotherapy plays a role here too. Physiotherapy is essential to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia, ICU associated weakness, reduce the risk of pressure sores. They also help to wean you out of Vent, positioning to avoid contractures and increase tissue perfusion among others.

Post cardiopulmonary surgeries, you need physiotherapy in your rehab program. Asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders among others are conditions also seen by PTs.

In Neurology:

Post-stroke rehab, traumatic brain injury be it concussion or such, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease among others. All these among other neurological conditions require physiotherapy.

The advantages of physiotherapy in neurological rehab is enormous and you should seek physiotherapy as soon as possible to optimize recovery.

Are you still thinking physiotherapy is massage?

Women health:

Do you have the inability to control urine? PTs will help. Urinary incontinence, Fecal incontinence, cystocele, Vaginismus, Vulvodynia, Coccyxdynia, Pre/Post pelvic surgery e.g. hysterectomy, Pregnancy/Postpartum care, Diastasis recti, just to name a few.

Pre/postnatal low back pain is effectively managed by physiotherapist. Foot drop can occur during pregnancy, seek physiotherapy services for effective recovery.

In Sports:

Physiotherapist are well know for the role they play in sports. They are involved in; Injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, performance enhancement, first aid among others.

For any team in games to perform optimally, they require physiotherapy services.

In Pediatrics:

Children are not small adults and require specialized physiotherapy service. Children with development challenges require physiotherapy intervention in collaboration with occupational therapy for optimum recovery.

If your child lacks balance when walking or has spinal Bifida, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD among others seek physiotherapy intervention.

A physiotherapist is also involved in Geriatrics health to prevents falls, health promotion through education, exercise and physical activity development and modification, rehabilitation of patients with cancers, research among many other fields.

Physiotherapy is NOT MASSAGE; however, they can incorporate massage in treatment.