What Is Physiotherapy & Who Is It For?

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy Treatment Types, Benefits, and More

What is physiotherapy treatment? How does physiotherapy work? Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, can address a specific injury or condition or it can be used to slow down the aging process. In some cases, your doctor may recommend physiotherapy treatment to manage pain and restore mobility. Keep reading to learn more about what physiotherapy is, how physiotherapy helps, and what physiotherapy treatment is used for.

Who needs physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone experiencing pain and/or reduced mobility. It helps people rehabilitate from surgery, illnesses like strokes, accidents, or sports injuries. Physiotherapy can also ease the symptoms of some chronic illnesses. Patients can get physiotherapy to help improve their athletic performance and also to minimize the stress work-related movements put on their bodies. If you’ve been wondering what physiotherapy is good for, it’s suitable for a wide range of physical conditions.

What are the types of physiotherapy?

There are at least 21 different types of physiotherapy. 

The four main types of physiotherapy include:

  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Geriatric physiotherapy
  • Pediatric
  • Orthopedic physiotherapy

When people are referred for physiotherapy, they often ask, what conditions can physiotherapy treat? The answer is, a lot! The main goal of physiotherapy is to help patients improve their mobility, reduce pain, and restore function, ideally allowing them to move independently.

Patients usually experience issues of pain and reduced mobility because of a major health crisis. This can be an illness, injury, or trauma. Problems could arise as a result of a chronic condition like Parkinson’s disease, a stroke, a sports injury, or an accident such as a slip and fall. Physiotherapy can also treat the physical effects of neurological issues or problems resulting from cardiopulmonary conditions.

Physiotherapy can be used as part of a wellness plan. To benefit from physiotherapy, you don’t necessarily need an underlying health problem. Some people use physiotherapy to improve sports performance, slow down aging, or help prevent repetitive strain injuries. If you’re curious about physiotherapy treatment meaning and its preventative benefits, it’s a valuable healthcare tool even without an injury.

What will physiotherapy do?

Physiotherapy should help patients manage pain and improve mobility, balance, and motor function. Part of physiotherapy care is connecting with patients to develop personalized plans. Every physiotherapy treatment plan is different. These techniques are often more effective than simply prescribing medication for pain relief.

What is the best time for physiotherapy?

The best time to begin physiotherapy is when you notice compromised mobility or persistent pain. These issues can stem from trauma, surgery, illness, or repetitive stress. Early physiotherapy can speed up healing and sometimes prevent the need for surgery. Knowing when physiotherapy is needed is essential for timely recovery.

Your provider may assign exercises to perform at home. Incorporating physiotherapy exercises into your daily or weekly routine can enhance the treatment results.

How quickly does physiotherapy work?

How fast physiotherapy works depends on a number of things. The first is the patient’s condition. Some people have major trauma to recover from while other health issues are not as severe. The less complicated the situation, the less recovery time is needed, in most cases.

Another factor is the number of issues being treated. A patient that has mobility and balance issues as a result of trauma, may have a longer rehabilitation period than someone with a single issue. Patient participation can affect recovery times as well. If a patient follows the care plan diligently, they will likely recover faster than someone who doesn’t follow through with the plan as carefully.

Lastly, everyone heals at a different rate. Two people can have the same issue and one will recover much faster than the other.

Most treatment plans for soft tissue injuries take about 6-8 weeks because that is how long these types of injuries take to heal. You can expect to see the provider twice a week (or maybe more often) during the recovery period. Your progress should be assessed and the provider will let you know if more treatment is needed. Some people, though, may require ongoing treatment that can last many months due to the nature of their health issues.

The results of physiotherapy are more subjective than some other branches of medicine. It’s easy to determine when a broken arm has been healed but more difficult to say when someone’s balance has improved enough that they don’t need treatment anymore. Your provider can set the expectations for your treatment plan including when it should end.

How much do physiotherapy sessions cost?

Physiotherapy costs depend on factors such as location and insurance coverage. With insurance, physiotherapy copays typically range between $20-$55 per session. Without insurance, costs are usually between $75-$150 per session. The first physiotherapy session may be more expensive due to an extended assessment.

How does physiotherapy reduce pain?

Physiotherapy helps reduce pain through therapeutic exercises, stretches, and techniques that promote proper movement. Physiotherapists may use soft tissue manipulation or massage therapy, which can stimulate the release of natural pain-relief chemicals in the body. Devices like ultrasound may also be used to treat pain. Physiotherapy pain relief can vary in duration based on the individual.

Does physiotherapy hurt the next day?

While most people feel fine after a physiotherapy session, some may experience soreness, bruising, or skin irritation the next day, especially if inflammation was involved. Discuss possible physiotherapy side effects with your provider beforehand so you know what to expect.

What are the pros of physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy has numerous benefits including:

  • Improved mobility and physical function

  • Pain relief without medication

  • Recovery support from injuries, surgeries, or chronic illnesses

It also enhances athletic performance, treats poor posture and repetitive strain injuries, and helps patients regain their full range of motion. Whether it’s post-surgery rehab or age-related mobility issues, physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive treatment.

What are the cons of physiotherapy?

The main downside of physiotherapy is cost. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses may apply. You may also need to purchase equipment such as resistance bands. Some people find the exercises difficult or time-consuming. Additionally, physiotherapy may not work for everyone.

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

The number of physiotherapy sessions you will need can depend on:

  • The nature of the issue being treated
  • The severity of the issue being treated
  • Your expected outcome
  • How well you respond to healing
  • How well you are able to perform the exercises that you are given to do

Based on experience, your provider should be able to give you a fairly clear date as to when your treatments should end. People generally visit the clinic 1-3 times a week.

How is physiotherapy done?

A physiotherapist will start with an assessment and then create a custom physiotherapy care plan. The approach may involve stretching, strengthening, massage, and more.

Where can I schedule a physiotherapy appointment near me?

If your doctor has recommended physiotherapy for you, they may have referred you to physiotherapy. You may not want to use their referral or you may need to find your own physiotherapy. You can ask other health care practitioners for recommendations or search online for “physiotherapy near me.”

Why choose Portland Wellness Care for physiotherapy?

Portland Wellness Care specializes in physiotherapy, providing top-notch care that helps get you on the road to recovery. Portland Wellness Care sees patients from Monday-Saturday for your convenience. We accept most all private insurers. If you do not have insurance, give us a call and we will do everything we can to help you get the treatment you need. If you are in the Portland area and need physiotherapy, contact Portland Wellness Care.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is an area of healthcare designed to treat the body so that patients can function independently with as little pain as possible. Seeking a highly-skilled reputable provider is an important ingredient for a successful wellness plan. At Portland Wellness Care, we strive to offer each patient a care plan that suits the severity of their needs. Every patient’s situation is different and therefore, they should all be treated differently. At Portland Wellness Care, we offer a custom care approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all. Our integrative injury rehab services are inclusive of physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage– all of which may be a part of a treatment plan to address your joint pain or injury. If you think physiotherapy might improve your quality of life, contact Portland Wellness Care today.

Can physiotherapy improve your quality of life? Call Portland Wellness Care to find out!

FREE CONSULTATIONS

Portland Wellness Care offers free consultations for patients who have questions, such as: What is the best treatment plan for me? What services will help me most? What the out-of-pocket costs might I incurred? How long will my treatment plan last?
or call us today at (971) 379-2455
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