How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy (also called ‘physio’) can help people with many different conditions.
It can help people of all ages:
- recover from illness and injury so that, as far as possible, they can return to doing the things they did before (rehabilitate people)
- prevent or manage disability
- manage pain.
Physiotherapy helps:
- children by encouraging them to develop, recover from illness or manage disability
- adults to stay in work, manage the effects of ageing to be independent for as long as possible or manage disability.
What methods does physiotherapy use to help people?
Physiotherapists use ways of helping you that consider your whole body and not just your injury or condition. Your Physiotherapy sessions might involve
Movement and exercise
We may give you exercises and advice on physical activity that are right for you:
- to improve your general health and mobility (how well you can walk and move your body)
- strengthen the parts of your body that need it.
Hands-on treatment
Where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help reduce pain and to encourage better movement of the body
Education and advice
Your physiotherapist may give you advice about things that can affect your daily life. For example, this might include advice about your posture and how you can lift or carry things safely to help prevent injuries
Your physiotherapists might also use other ways of helping you. For example, they may give you exercises to do in water (‘aqua therapy’ or ‘hydrotherapy’) or give you equipment to help you do the things you need to.
How will physiotherapists involve me in my own care?
Your physiotherapists will encourage you to be involved in your own treatment. They will work with you to set goals to help you achieve the things you want to be able to do. Being involved and motivated to take part as fully as you can helps you to recover as much and as quickly as possible.
Why can I be sure that my physiotherapy is likely to help me?
- Physiotherapists are specially trained, regulated healthcare professionals with a degree in Physiotherapy and experience of working in healthcare.
- Physiotherapy is backed by science. It takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes taking account of your lifestyle.
Be aware, during your treatment you may see student Physiotherapists who are in training. They will be overseen by a qualified Physiotherapist.
Which conditions can Physiotherapists help to manage?
Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions such as:
- Brain or nervous system (neurological) conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s)
- Bone, joint and soft tissue (neuromusculoskeletal) conditions such as back pain, whiplash injuries, sports injuries, and arthritis)
- Heart (cardiovascular) conditions such as chronic heart disease an rehabilitation after heart attack)
- Lung (respiratory) conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis
- Conditions affecting children (paediatric conditions) such as developmental disorders, arthritis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Where do physiotherapists work?
Physiotherapists often work as part of a team including other healthcare professionals (such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists. This is called a ‘multidisciplinary team.’
Physiotherapists may work in medical and community settings, including:
- hospitals
- community health centres or clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some sports teams, clubs, gyms, charities, and workplaces
- schools
- your own home or care home setting.
Some physiotherapists can also offer home visits. Physiotherapy is available through the NHS or privately.
How will I be referred to Physiotherapy?
- If you are in hospital and need physiotherapy treatment, someone from the physiotherapy team will usually see you while you are in hospital. You will be told about any arrangement for out-patients’ appointments that you may need once you have gone home from hospital (you are discharged).
- You may need a referral from your GP to have physiotherapy on the NHS. In some areas it is possible to refer yourself directly. To find out whether self-referral is available in your area, ask the reception staff at your GP surgery or contact your local hospital trust.
- Waiting lists for NHS treatment can be long and some people choose to pay for private treatment. Most private physiotherapists let you book an appointment with them yourself. You do not need to be sent to them by your doctor.
I am disabled. How can you help me to have physiotherapy which is right for me?
Physiotherapy should offer rehabilitation that is right for different groups of people. This includes those who are unable to attend a standard department, but this may depend on us having the right rooms, equipment, and staff the facilities and staff available. Please contact your team for more details.