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What Physiotherapy Can Treat
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Who needs physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves hands-on treatments to help patients regain the use of parts of their body.
Physiotherapists can help a wide range of people and treat a number of different conditions.
The elderly
Physiotherapy is often used to treat conditions that are common in old age, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and hip and joint replacements. It can help elderly people to stay active and independent, reduce pain and improve fitness.
Heart and lung conditions
It can help people who have had heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart surgery.
Nervous system conditions
Nervous system conditions include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy can also help people deal with paralysis (being unable to move) as well as treat balance problems and muscle pain.
Bones, joints and muscles
Physiotherapy can treat conditions and injuries that affect the bones, joints and muscles. It can help with sports injuries, repetitive strain injury, neck pain, back pain and arthritis. It can also assist with rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery.
Children
Physiotherapy can improve the balance, strength and co-ordination of youngsters who have conditions that affect the muscles or the skeleton, some of which may be present from birth, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
Women
It can help women who encounter pelvic problems after giving birth, or have problems related to the menopause, e.g. stress incontinence.
Physiotherapists work in hospitals, GP surgeries, workplaces and in the community.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and decide whether physiotherapy will help.
If you can afford private treatment, you'll avoid waiting for an appointment. Make sure the practitioner you see is chartered or registered with the Health Professions Council.
You may be able to get physiotherapy through work. Some large companies run occupational health schemes. Check with your personnel or human resources department.
Some charities and voluntary organisations provide physiotherapy. Contact the organisations that are relevant to you or your condition.
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