Physiotherapy is the primary health care profession that promotes wellness, mobility and independent function. Physiotherapists have advanced understanding of how the body moves, what keeps it from moving well and how to restore mobility. Physiotherapists manage and prevent many physical problems caused by illness, disability and disease, sport and work related injuries, aging, and long periods of inactivity.

Physiotherapists are skilled in the assessment and hands-on management of a broad range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems, including:

• Heart and lung disease
• Arthritis and osteoporosis
• Stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and nerve injury
• Amputations
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Pre and post surgical needs
• Incontinence

Depending on your situation, your physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Therapeutic exercise
• Functional training
• Manual therapy
• Work hardening
• Techniques and modalities that reduce pain
• Acupuncture
• Corrective techniques to improve hear and lung function and cardiac condition
• Education

How Physiotherapy Works

Physiotherapists assess and analyze the effect of illness, disability, injury and inactivity and develop specific treatment plans based on their assessment and the individual client’s goals. In order to maximize your health potential and minimize strains and stresses to your body, your physiotherapist will follow these four steps to get you moving as optimally as possible:

• Assess your level of mobility, strength and endurance.
• Diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan to restore movement and reduce limitations, including pain.
• Prescribe and demonstrate specific therapeutic exercises, monitor your progress over time, and adjust your treatment according to your needs and preferences.
• Prepare you for independence with advice on how to manage your condition, including education on complications and prevention of a recurring problem.