Introduction about PHYSIOTHERAPY

What is Physiotherapy?  The primary aim of Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy is to promote health and physical wellbeing by maximising mobility and functional ability throughout all life stages. Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. Physiotherapy/Physical therapy involves the interaction between physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists (World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) 2009).   What can Physiotherapy do for you? Physiotherapists/Physical Therapists assess and analyse the effect of illness, disability, injury and inactivity on your functional ability. This may be as a result of conditions ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular to orthopaedic or neurological in nature. He/she will then design a treatment programme specifically? for you based on your aims and goals and functional ability levels. Progress is regularly reviewed and treatment programmes are modified to help you achieve the best outcome possible.  Some examples of conditions treated by Chartered Physiotherapists include: Neck and back problems, upper and lower limb dysfunctions Post fractures, orthopaedic surgery, and assessments for adaptations/aids/appliances Post surgery for many conditions e.g. heart, abdominal and bowel and vascular Joint and muscle pain, as a result of arthritic conditions Joint sprains and strains, muscle and tendon injuries, ligament injuries Sports injuries, overuse injuries, training/technique-related dysfunction, fitness deficits/improvements Work-related injuries due to poor posture, cumulative overload, repetitive strain Bladder and bowel incontinence in both men and women Foot problems, re-education of altered gait patterns, orthotic prescriptions Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease, acquired brain injury COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, asthma and respiratory tract infections Stress, headaches, lifestyle advice, cardiovascular impairments Ante-natal and post-natal classes, coccydynia, post-partum low back pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and pelvic pain in pregnancy Delayed development, delayed play skills and co-ordination difficulties for children Paediatric neurodevelopment Education and appropriate exercise to prevent or minimise the effects of osteoporosis Balance and falls rehabilitation Care of the Elderly, rehabilitation for activities of daily living, increase independence  Pre-employment fitness testing, disability assessments, return to work programmes, functional capacity evaluations, worksite assessments & training Further detailed information on the range of clinical conditions that Chartered Physiotherapists/Physical Therapists may treat can be viewed on www.iscp.ie  orwww.physicaltherapy.ie