Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy

Mar 1, 2021

Physiotherapy vs. Physical TherapyThe terms physiotherapy and physical therapy may seem different but they actually refer to the same healthcare profession! Physical therapists provide physiotherapy or physical therapy to help improve recovery, mobility, and quality of life after illness, injury, or disease. While there are some regional differences where each term may be more common, if one of your doctors recommends physiotherapy and another doctor recommends physical therapy, they are both talking about meeting with a physical therapist.

Education and Training for Physical Therapists

People who want to become physical therapists must first complete an undergraduate degree in a science-related field before attending physical therapy school. All future physical therapists must complete an accredited physical therapy program, which typically takes 3 years to complete. Those who complete this rigorous program will earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and must then pass their state’s licensure exam in order to practice physiotherapy in hospitals or private practices.

Reasons to Visit a Physical Therapist

There are three common reasons why you might visit a physical therapist: preparing for a surgical procedure, for recovering from a surgical procedure, or for a non-invasive, alternate option to surgery. How long should therapy last? That would depend on the severity of your accident and many other factors. Pre-operative physiotherapy will help you build up strength and stamina before a surgery that may typically come with a long recovery period. Post-operative physiotherapy can help shorten the healing and recovery process.

Surgeries typically require longer recovery periods than non-invasive treatment options, which can lead to weakness and loss of mobility during that time. Physical therapy before or after the surgery can help you maintain or regain your strength and mobility. Physical therapy may also be a viable alternative to surgery depending on your illness or injury. Working with a physical therapist can help promote the natural healing process without harsh medications or invasive surgical procedures.

Physiotherapy Treatment Approaches

Physical therapists use a combination of treatment approaches to provide you with the best chance for full healing and recovery. Physiotherapy involves focusing on improving your quality of life during illness, injury, or disease so you can experience healthy functioning again.

Manual Therapies

Your physical therapist may use manual therapy as part of your treatment plan, which involves approaches that are done by hand. This may include gentle joint manipulation that helps to improve mobility and reduce pain in your spine, shoulder, elbow, and even knee pain. Other manual therapies may include mobilization and stretches to prompt low impact activity in weakened or damaged muscles and other soft tissues. Therapeutic massage may also be incorporated to help restore healthy blood flow to the area and provide pain relief.

Exercise Programs

Physical therapists are most commonly known for their hands-on exercise programs that help you through the healing and recovery process. Exercise therapies allow you to take an active role in your treatment by moving through exercises that promote strength and mobility. Your muscles can become weakened due to illness or injury and your physical therapy can walk you through safe, healthy exercises to build your strength back up. These exercises will also include ways to improve your range of motion and flexibility. Exercise programs can also help get your heart rate up, promoting cardiovascular health and increasing your stamina. Physical therapists focus on how movements can make a positive impact on your body’s natural healing process through all kinds of health concerns.

Your physical therapist may also recommend other treatment approaches like acupuncture, ultrasound, and dry-needling to help with pain management and to promote healing and recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation with Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is commonly associated with rehabilitation from surgeries or significant health events, but you can also see a physical therapist if a health concern has kept you from activities you used to enjoy and you want to work back up to those while also preventing future injury. Physical therapists utilize non-invasive treatment approaches like soft tissue mobilization that helps reduce pain and improve your circulation. Strengthening and stretching can help enhance your mobility and improve your chances of recovery whether or not your injury, illness, or disease was severe. Physiotherapy treatment plans include preventative treatments and techniques to help reduce the risk of re-injury or reoccurrence in the future.

If you are looking for physiotherapy or physical therapy treatment in Tucker, then look no further than AICA Orthopedics. Our team of multi-specialty doctors includes orthopedists, chiropractors, neurologists, and physical therapists all highly knowledgeable and skilled in treating all injuries, illnesses, and diseases. AICA Orthopedics in Tucker is committed to providing each person with a safe and effective approach to healing and recovery.

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