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What
is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists
are university
educated in providing non-invasive
treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and muscle-related pathology.
Physiotherapists are
licensed in BC by the College of Physical Therapy.
As well as prevention,
physiotherapists advise and prescribe treatments
and exercises throughout their client's lifespan.
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What
does a
physiotherapist do?
Expertise
in
exercise and
activity
A physiotherapist can recommend exercises to
help you
strengthen specific muscles, stretches to lengthen short or tight
muscles, and ways to mobilize certain joints. Sprains, strains,
ligament
tears, and other athletic injuries play an important role in most
sports.
Because your health is subject to your physical activity your
physiotherapist will help you to enhance your mobility and stay in the
game without risking more injury.
Assessing
your
physical needs
During your first visit your physiotherapist
will examine
your physical condition and will identify your specific needs
in order to determine a program of rehabilitation maintenance and to
reduce pain.
Prevention
An ergonomic assessment helps you to determine
the most functional position for work, for example, how to sit
in front of a
computer.
Treatment
plan and reeducation
After having assessed your needs your
physiotherapist will
set goals with you. You will work on your pain or motor problems, and
your treatment may include recommended exercises and postural education.
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How
do l find a
physiotherapist?
You
don't need a doctor's referral to visit a
physiotherapist.
To find the clinic closest to you, you can
refer to the following:
There
are over 2000
physiotherapists licensed to practice in British Columbia.
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What different
areas of expertise do physiotherapists have?
Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture uses needles at specific
points of the body for
pain relief and treatment of different physical disorders and systemic
conditions.
Animal
Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy for animals.
Arthritis
Physiotherapy treats more than a hundred types
of joint inflammations
from tendonitis to osteoarthritis.
Cardio-Respiratory
This category covers the healing and
prevention of cardiovascular
disease, heart attacks, and lung diseases. Asthma, emphysema, and
bronchial conditions, as well as bypass surgery and heart attack
recovery are dealt with by physiotherapists through optimizing heart
and lung function. It's the branch of physiotherapy that helps people
maintain a healthy level of fitness and energy.
Complementary
Therapy
Complements traditional physiotherapy
treatment through techniques such
as Biofeedback, Craniosacral Therapy, Feldenkrais Method, Healing
Touch, Visceral Mobilization, Hellerwork, and Myofacial Release.
Ergonomic
Physiotherapy
evaluates and so1ves postural problems and work-related injuries such
as
carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, and low back pain.
Gerontology
Physiotherapy
treats age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis. heart
disease, stroke, immobility, and pain, and improve balance.
Hands
Physiotherapy treats
injury or disease of the hands, arms, or shoulders using
exercise, manual therapy, and splinting.
Hydrotherapy
Therapy in water-based environment.
IMS
(Intramuscular Stimulation)
A technique using acupuncture needles that is
based on scientific
knowledge of neurophysiology to release tight bands of muscle. (For
more information about IMS please visit Dr. Chan Gunn’s
website at http://www.istop.org/)
Industrial
Health
Physiotherapists
assess and treat work-related physical issues and recommend workplace
safety techniques and methods of injury prevention.
Neurological
Physiotherapy treats
nervous system conditions and injuries including head and spinal
cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral
palsy.
Orthopaedics
Physiotherapy treats
musculoskeletal injuries or pains (muscle, joint and tissue
problems) including fractures, back and neck pain, arthritis,
osteoporosis, TMJ, amputation, and burns.
Paediatrics
Paediatric
physiotherapy treats
children under 16 with orthopaedic, neurological and respiratory
conditions, developmental delays, burns, and conditions such as
cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy.
Palliative
Care
Physiotherapy for the terminally ill.
Sports Injury
Physiotherapy treats sprains, ligament tears, and other athletic
injuries using techniques including taping, bracing, laser, ultrasound,
electrotherapy, sport-specific exercise, and training program
development.
Urology /
Gynecology
Physiotherapy treats incontinence, bladder and bowel control,
constipation, vaginal / rectal pain, or recovery from prostate surgery
through muscle reeducation, stimulation, and biofeedback.
Vestibular
Rehabilitation
Evaluation and treatment of balance disorder.
Women's
Health
Treatment of breast cancer recovery, pre- and post-natal conditions,
osteoporosis, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
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A physiotherapist:
helps
you
stay mobile
helps
you with pain relief and management
helps
you maximize your physical abilities at any age |
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A
partner to get healthier
Physiotherapy
is an effective and cost efficient approach to pain
relief and the restoration of your mobility and functioning. |
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