Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are specially trained health care professionals, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Physiotherapists use a whole person approach to help clients through developing a treatment plan including a tailored programme of exercise; manual therapy (massage and manipulation); education and advice.
Physiotherapy (physio) is used help patients of all ages to recover from injuries and illness such as musculoskeletal complaints (bones, joints and soft tissues issues), e.g. neck pain, back pain, whiplash and sports injuries.
Physiotherapists can also work with issues for patients with mobility, gait and balance, stability issues around neurological conditions, for example after a stroke, MS (multiple sclerosis), Parkinson’s and for the prevention of falls in the elderly.
Physiotherapists may also have special interests in other areas of functional health such as heart and circulation, lungs and breathing, where patients have cardiovascular issues, following heart attack, COPD, of cystic fibrosis, or pelvic health.
Physiotherapists are often involved in settings such as with professional sports teams, in workplaces and community settings, as well as in NHS and private work.
