Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, commonly referred to as physical therapy, is practiced by physical therapists. The aim of physiotherapy is to help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent and limit permanent disabilities. Physiotherapy begins with assessing the patient’s condition. Practitioners review a patient’s medical history and put patients through physical examinations, and sometimes diagnostic tests as well. By doing so, physical therapists gain an understanding of the patient’s strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance and motor function. Following the assessment stage, physical therapists provide a course of treatment based on the patient’s needs. A patient’s treatment usually includes different exercises to improve flexibility, endurance, strength, and balance. To reduce swelling and pain, practitioners will often use ultrasound, cryotherapy, TENS and others.