Physiotherapy is modalities of health care dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Physiotherapists diagnose, treat and prevent conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system and specifically deal with disorders and injuries of the muscular, skeletal system. This includes the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and other connective tissues. It also involves analysis and evaluation of the patient’s medical history, examination of the injury site, and the treating Physiotherapy professional’s assessment and diagnosis. Physiotherapists use various modalities in their treatments to achieve maximum results for their patients.
To begin a physiotherapy Brisbane clinic, the patient must make an appointment with a physiotherapist. During the first visit the professional will discuss the symptoms and treatment needs with the patient. The Physiotherapist will conduct a physical examination of the patient and ask questions about his/her medical history, past and present injuries, lifestyle, diet and exercise. After assessing the condition of the patient, the physio will prepare an effective treatment plan for the patient.
In most instances, when a patient is referred to a physiotherapy Brisbane clinic, they are already suffering from some kind of injury or illness which limits their ability to engage in standard physical activity. Common treatment methods are physical therapy, physiotherapy braces and physiotherapy exercise systems. The physiotherapist will determine the level of disability, if any, that the patient is in and design an individualised treatment plan for each patient. For example, if a patient has been bedridden for a long time and has lost the ability to stand up after an accident, the treatment plan will be different than one that involves the use of physiotherapy braces.
The physiotherapy treatments may include manual therapy, manual traction, laser therapy, infrared radiation and hydrotherapy. Manual therapy includes activities such as heat treatment, ultrasound, electrotherapy, vibration and dry needling. Manual therapy reduces pain and restriction of movement and is ideal for soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains and ligaments. When performing manual therapy treatments, the physiotherapist will determine the severity of the condition of the patient and will tailor a treatment plan to address the needs of the patient best. Common areas which are treated with manual therapy techniques include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and blood vessels.
The use of ultrasound for treating injuries is very beneficial to athletes, body builders and sports people. An experienced physiotherapist is well trained to identify where there injuries are located and precisely to perform the needed movements. Dry needling works on the joints by using pressure directly above the joint. A skilled physiotherapist will be able to perform this treatment with minimal pain and minimal impact to the patient.
When a patient has been injured or suffers from a current musculoskeletal problem, a physiotherapist will recommend the initial treatment program. In some cases physiotherapy services may be conducted by the same physiotherapists or they can recommend a separate physiotherapist. If this is the case, the physiotherapist will prepare the injured person for their first physiotherapy session. The purpose of the first session is for the physiotherapist to assess the injury, its severity and how the patient can improve their condition. Other recommendations may also be made at this time, depending on the assessment made by the physiotherapist.
