Physical therapy

What is physiotherapy?

Sometimes also referred to as ‘physical therapy’, physiotherapy entails targeted training of the body and the use of non-invasive techniques to improve or rehabilitate movement and physical ability. Techniques may include ultrasound, massages or heat packs. Before starting any treatment, the physiotherapist will carry out a detailed, specialist examination and tailor the treatment to the patient’s individual needs. This approach seeks to:

- Understand how the body is working, raise awareness of available resources and get to the root of certain issues (e.g. poor posture, incorrect lifting or carrying, poor gym form)

- Trigger the body’s own natural healing response (e.g. build muscle, encourage motor learning, boost metabolism)

- Promote patients’ ability to independently manage their own bodies

Physiotherapists are experts in treating impeded physical ability and pain. This specialty is an independent discipline within conventional medicine and falls into primary care. Day-to-day work in the physiotherapy department focuses on supporting patients on their journey to improved health or helping them to maintain their health – all with the goal of increasing patient quality of life. To achieve this, physiotherapists work on improving physical abilities – such as standing up, walking, climbing stairs and running – as well as increasing mobility in stiff joints and easing pain.  

For whom?

Physiotherapy is suitable for anyone experiencing a lack of strength, joint mobility and functional ability, or posture-related issues and acute or chronic pain. A wide range of services are provided, making use of different adapted techniques and methods such as:

• Joint mobilisation
• Strengthening of a muscle or muscle group
• Various pain relief methods including thermotherapy and electrotherapy
• PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
• The Bobath approach
• Posture correction
• Fasciatherapy
• Pilates and stability exercises
• Balance and instability rehabilitation therapy
• Gait rehabilitation