Perhaps your doctor has referred you to a physical therapist, or as we colloquially call it, a 'physio'. Or you may have heard of this treatment for a sports injury, a back problem, or to help you get back to your old shape after surgery. Many people don't have much idea about this 'physical therapy'. So today, let's talk about it in detail, very simply.
Who is this physical therapist?
Simply put, a physical therapist is a health professional who diagnoses and treats problems and illnesses related to the movement of our bodies. They are not just exercisers, but people with much deeper knowledge than that.
They can help with any movement difficulties or pain related to these systems in your body:
- Musculoskeletal system: This refers to problems related to your bones, joints, and muscles.
- Neurological system: Conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. For example, after a stroke.
- Cardiopulmonary system: Helps the body recover after heart disease or respiratory problems.
- Integumentary system: Sometimes to prevent joints from sticking together after things like burns.
- Lymphatic system: Control things like swelling after surgery.
Physical therapists treat people of all ages. Many people also visit them to get advice on how to stay healthy and prevent future injuries. You can find them in hospitals, private clinics, sports facilities, and senior care centers.
What exactly does a physical therapist do?
Your doctor will usually refer you to a physical therapist. After that, they will first do a physical exam to get a better understanding of your condition. They will observe how you walk, stand, and perform certain activities. They will listen carefully to your questions. They will then create a treatment plan that is specific to you.
See the table below for the main treatment methods they use.
| Treatment method | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Prescribing specific exercises | You will be taught exercises that are specific to your condition. These will strengthen weak muscles, increase joint mobility, and reduce pain. |
| Joint movement and stretching | Stiff joints and muscles are gently moved and stretched with their hands, restoring flexibility. |
| Use of various equipment | Various devices are used to reduce pain and speed up tissue healing. For example, heat therapy, ultrasound therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). |
| Other hands-on techniques | Sometimes techniques such as soft tissue massage can help relax muscles and reduce pain. |
| Education and mentoring | This is very important. You will be educated about your condition, how to manage it, and how to prevent it from happening again. |
Remember, the main goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain, increase strength, and ease movement, and get you back to normal function. Sometimes, this can even prevent future surgery.
Do you need a high qualification to become a physical therapist?
Yes, absolutely. A physiotherapist is a government-registered professional who has completed a B.Sc. in Physiotherapy from a recognized university. This degree program is about four years long. During that time, they learn a lot about the human body.
For example:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Kinesiology & Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Effects of Exercise (Exercise Physiology)
They come to this field after studying a lot of subjects like this and receiving practical training in hospitals. Therefore, they have a very high level of scientific knowledge about your body's movement problems.
Why should you see a physical therapist?
Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for a variety of reasons. Here are some of them.
| Your problem/need | Help from physical therapy |
|---|---|
| Joint pain, such as in the back, neck, and knees | The cause of the pain is identified, the pain is reduced, and the relevant muscles are strengthened to prevent the pain from recurring. |
| After surgery, an accident, or a stroke | It is essential to rehabilitate the body and improve function. |
| Sports injuries | It provides the strength and balance needed to return to the field of play after injuries such as an ACL tear. |
| Balance problems | Exercises that improve balance are performed, especially to prevent falls that occur as you age. |
| After childbirth | Helps strengthen pelvic floor muscles and relieve back pain. |
| Limited joint movement | If a joint, such as the shoulder, cannot be fully moved, its range of motion is increased. |
How long you need physical therapy depends on your condition and your goals. Sometimes you can recover in just a few sessions. Sometimes you may need to receive treatment for months. All of this is done by the physical therapist in coordination with the doctor who is treating you.
Take-Home Message
- A physical therapist is a specialist in body movement. They will find the cause of your pain and mobility problems and treat them scientifically.
- Their treatments include specific exercises, hands-on therapy, and patient education.
- They can help with a wide range of problems, from back pain to rehabilitation after surgery.
- Before seeing a physical therapist, it is always important to first see your doctor (physician) and get an accurate diagnosis and referral.
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