What is Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a health care discipline specializing in the prevention and treatment of physical injury and impairment. Physiotherapists combine a broad range of “hands on” skills with a detailed knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics, to help relieve pain and restore movement.
What Training is Required?
Physiotherapists obtain their degrees at accredited Universities or Colleges. Most programs are now Masters or Doctoral programs. To become a Registered Physiotherapist, one must pass national exams before being licensed to practice by provincial regulatory bodies.
Throughout their careers, physiotherapists stay abreast with the latest trends and techniques through ongoing continuing education.
Why Should You See A Physiotherapist
What do Physiotherapists Treat?
Physiotherapists deal with a wide range of acute and chronic problems including:
- Sports and trauma related injuries (sprains, fractures, dislocations, whiplash, etc.)
- Pain and stiffness due to arthritis, tendinitis and bursitis
- Neck and lower back pain
- Repetitive strain
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Headaches
- Nerve irritation
- Joint or soft tissue pain in children
What Happens When a Physiotherapist Sees You?
The overall goal of physiotherapy is to help one return to a previous level of comfort and function in as few visits as possible.
The process is as follows:
- a thorough assessment is done in order to clearly define the problem
- a treatment plan is formulated
- emphasis is placed on hands-on treatment techniques such as:
1) mobilization
2) manipulation
3) traction
- the following modalities and techniques are often used:
1) laser
2) ultrasound
3) interferential current
4) spinal decompression therapy
5) acupuncture
6) craniosacral therapy
Throughout the treatment process there is a lot of instruction on how to manage problems through a home exercise routine.
Is Physiotherapy Covered by Insurance?
Most Extended Insurance and Automobile Insurance plans cover physiotherapy fees. WSIB also provides funding for workers injured on the job, as long as they have approval and a valid claim number.
