What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement.

It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being.

Physiotherapy is science-based and is committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence which underpins its practice and delivery (The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy 2018).

Physiotherapy aims to assist patients in restoring their normal balance, encouraging self-management and advising on ways to help facilitate the body’s own healing processes.

Physiotherapists can work in:

• Hospitals
• Health centres
• Schools
• Workplaces
• Private practices
• Patients’ homes

Physiotherapists are able to treat many physical problems, ranging from:

• Musculoskeletal problems (e.g. muscle, joint  or bone problems and injuries)
• Pelvic Health and Continence Issues
• Respiratory conditions e.g. Asthma, Emphysema
• Neurological conditions e.g. Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Amputees
• Difficulties with walking or functions that affect independence

All physiotherapists working within the NHS must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council