Clare Fletcher
Physiotherapy is a treatment that uses physical movements, massage and exercise to relieve illness or injury and provides a comprehensive assessment and treatment programme that helps an individual to regain the use of their body after an injury or illness. It is also used to slow the progression of long term conditions and for rehabilitation after surgery, as well as preventing injuries by strengthening and conditioning the body.

Exercises are often included within the treatment plan which can range from the gentle and general such as walking or swimming to the more concentrated exercises specifically targeting certain areas of the body. These are designed to strengthen the body and improve range of movement.

Patient education is an important part of the physiotherapy treatment plan. Not only does it aim to physically improve strength and mobility but it also teaches how to manage your condition more effectively with advice on improving lifestyle, for example, by eating more healthily and exercising on a regular basis.

Physiotherapists help people across all ages who have various physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing and have experience to aid people with mental health problems, stroke patients and children. Physiotherapy is not just for people with an existing health condition but can also be recommended as a treatment following an injury at work, during sport, gardening or DIY and conditions resulting from these may include back strains or a repetitive strain injury (RSI). Physiotherapy also helps to manage long term conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease and is also used to treat conditions that are particularly common in old age such as arthritis, osteoporosis and hip and joint replacements.The treatment can help to improve balance and co-ordination and correct problems related to posture such as headaches and back pain.