Physiotherapy explained
If you've ever wondered what physiotherapy is and what physiotherapists do then this section of the site is for you. Very briefly, physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential. Physiotherapists work in a wide variety of health settings such as intensive care, mental illness, stroke recovery, occupational health, and care of the elderly. Physiotherapy is certainly far more than fixing musculoskeletal sports injuries although that is perhaps the most common perception of the profession.
A-Z of conditions
Physiotherapy may not immediately come to mind when looking to treat tinnitus, incontinence or leg ulcers. However, a brief look at our A-Z will give some indication of the huge range of conditions that physiotherapists do treat. The A-Z also includes a few treatment modalities that are part of physiotherapy practice. By no means a definitive list, it serves to illustrate the the breadth of physiotherapy practice. Our A-Z section will be expanded further shortly.
Getting physiotherapy treatment
Chartered physiotherapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, health centres, GP practices, schools, work places, private clinics and also by visiting people at home. If you are a UK resident the three main treatment routes to see a physiotherapist are via the NHS, via private practitioners and via the independent sector. It's also possible to get treatment through less common routes such as charities and the voluntary sector. Should you wish to see a physiotherapist for private treatment, please make sure they are chartered and registered. See our online 'physio2u' directory to search for a practitioner in your area.
Features
Our features section can help you improve your general health and well being. It has a selection of self-help guides that currently includes: steps you can take to prevent osteoporosis, injury-free DIY and ways to strengthen muscles in your pelvic floor. New features appear on a regular basis so make sure you become a regular visitor.
Complementary health
Our complementary health section explains the strong overlap between physiotherapy and complementary health. There is a growing interest among people looking for a holistic approach to the treatment of illness and disease. Chartered physiotherapists believe this is important and will look at the 'whole' person taking into account previous medical history, work and lifestyle before making a diagnosis and devising a treatment programme that is tailored to an individual's needs. Currently you can find out more about acupuncture, massage and reflex and craniosacral therapies in this dedicated section.
