Physiotherapy (physical therapy) aims to restore proper functioning to the body or, in the case of permanent disease or injury, to reduce the impact of any dysfunction. Physiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions. Contrary to popular belief, Physiotherapists aren’t limited to the rehabilitation of sports injuries and back pain. As well as musculoskeletal injuries, physiotherapists can also manage:

• Neurological conditions, such as stroke

• Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries

• Cardiothoracic conditions like emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis.

• Physiotherapists help a person to recover from surgery.

Treatment options include a wide range tailored to your specific condition and individual needs. Physiotherapists can also show you how to use and where to get equipment aids. Therapies include the following:

• Manual therapies – such as massage, stretching, manual resistance training, and joint mobilisation and manipulation, including spinal mobilisation.

• Electrotherapy techniques – such as ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser therapy and diathermy.

• Exercise programs – such as posture retraining, muscle strengthening, cardiovascular training and stretching.

• Airway clearance techniques.

• Other services – taping and splinting, correcting flawed sporting techniques, and providing information on equipment aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames

Physiotherapists work in public hospitals, private practices, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, sporting clubs, fitness centres, schools, and in the workplace.
Physiotherapists study medical science subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience and physiology to develop skills and attitudes necessary for health education and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with physical disorders and disabilities. Physiotherapists are often referred to as ‘movement specialists’. They are trained to assess and treat a variety of conditions that affect the physical function of adults and children

Physiotherapists are trained in a range of specialist areas such as children’s health (paediatrics), sports medicine or women’s health.

Generally, the three different types of physiotherapy include:

• Musculoskeletal – to treat muscles, bones and joints (also called orthopaedic physiotherapy). Common conditions treated include back pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, bursitis, workplace and sports injuries, problems with posture, incontinence and reduced mobility. Rehabilitation after surgery is also offered.

• Cardiothoracic – to treat disorders of the cardio-respiratory system including asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Rehabilitation after thoracic surgery can also be offered.

• Neurological – to treat disorders of the nervous system including acquired head injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Rehabilitation after brain surgery can also be offered.

A physiotherapist works to improve your mobility and health and to reduce the risk of injuries. In many cases, an injury is caused by a range of factors working together. For example, persistent back pain may be triggered by a combination of poor posture, being overweight, repetitive work-related activities and incorrect technique when playing sport. The physiotherapist aims to treat the back pain, but also to address the factors that contribute to the cause. This approach aims to lessen the risk of the injury happening again. Sports physiotherapists help sportsmen and sportswomen reach peak performance and advise them on injury prevention and recovery from injuries.

Sports physiotherapists are able to:

• Examine and diagnose injuries

• Plan treatment programmes

• Use treatments such as manipulation, massage, heat treatment electrotherapy and hydrotherapy

• Advise on timescales for returning to sport after injury

• Keep full records of your treatment and progress

• Assist sports professionals work in a team with coaches and other health care professionals and sports scientists

Physiotherapists may focus specifically on working with chronic pain to lessen the impact of the pain, restore activity levels at home and work and to return to sporting and other chosen activities so that you can enjoy a healthy and active life. In persisting and chronic pain, recurring sports injuries, chronic and complex painful conditions, treatment programmes aim to target the pain mechanisms and influencing factors, such as, physical, psychological and social factors.

For new injury and acute pain assessment, physiotherapists identify the source(s) of the problem, the pain mechanisms and any risk factors for chronicity so that they can be managed promptly for a successful return to sports, work and daily activities.

All physiotherapists in South Africa are required to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Registration as a physiotherapist is only possible after completion of a university degree in physiotherapy. Contact the specific physiotherapist of your choice via our easy search for session rates and details of treatment offered.

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