Dr. Khadija Mhowwala

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that uses physical techniques to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve function in people who have been affected by injury, illness, or disability.

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. These techniques may include:

• Exercise therapy: Patients are prescribed specific exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion.
• Manual therapy: Physiotherapists use techniques such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation to help reduce pain and improve function.
• Education and advice: Physiotherapists provide advice and education on how to manage symptoms, prevent further injury, and maintain good health.
• Electrotherapy: Physiotherapists use modalities such as ultrasound and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to manage pain and inflammation.
• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists help patients return to their normal activities by developing and supervising rehabilitation programs.

Physiotherapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions (such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis), sports injuries, neurological conditions (such as stroke and multiple sclerosis), and respiratory conditions (such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

It is important to note that Physiotherapy is a regulated profession, and Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who have completed a degree in Physiotherapy and are registered with a professional body.

There are many different types of physiotherapy, but broadly speaking, they can be grouped into three main categories:

1. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. These conditions include back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and more. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy often uses manual therapy techniques such as mobilization, manipulation, and massage, as well as exercise therapy to help reduce pain and improve function.
2. Neurological physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect the nervous system. These conditions include stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and more. Neurological physiotherapy often uses a combination of exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to help improve function and reduce symptoms.
3. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect the heart and lungs. These conditions include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and more. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy often uses techniques such as breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and exercise therapy to help improve function and reduce symptoms.

It's worth noting that some physiotherapists may specialize in certain areas of physiotherapy, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or sports physiotherapy, and may use a combination of different techniques to provide the best care to their patients.