What Is Physiotherapy?

What Patients Can Expect

An initial physiotherapy session begins with a consultation and clinical assessment. The therapist will ask the client questions about their general health and symptoms. Next, the physiotherapist will assess the patient's injury or condition. They will touch any areas of concern to check for tenderness, swelling, or pain, and may also move the patient's joints to check their range of motion. After this assessment, the therapist will formulate a treatment plan with the patient. This typically includes a series of stretching exercises to lengthen and strengthen muscles, and patients might also be shown how to modify their movements to complete reaching or bending tasks with less pain. Elastic bands, therapy balls, and foam rollers may be used as aids for proper posture during the session. Patients will be told to complete certain stretches at home in between therapy sessions, and the therapist will check on the patient's symptoms and pain at every visit. Depending on their training and area of expertise, some physiotherapists may incorporate massage, acupuncture, or ultrasound treatments into a session. Patients with minor injuries may be treated by a physiotherapist for a few weeks, and those with chronic conditions might attend sessions for many years.

Keep reading to learn about how physiotherapy pairs with other treatments next.