Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a health care profession that deals with preventing, assessing, diagnosing and treating pain and movement dysfunctions that impair normal function.
A physiotherapist uses modalities such as electric currents, ultrasound, laser, biofeedback, magnetic fields and hydrotherapy (hot and cold), and acupuncture. Manual (hands on) techniques are commonly used and include joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue stretching, muscle energy, myofascial release, craniosacral mobilization and neural tissue mobilization.
The desired outcome may be to increase mobility and coordination, decrease pain, decrease inflammation or increase circulation, but in the end the main goal is to provide the patient with increased function and control of their own lives. By alleviating pain and inflammation, physiotherapy can also be very helpful in decreasing reliance on medication.
Physiotherapists are also trained to assess the workplace. They can determine what aspects of a job are causing problems and then work with the employee and employer to make work place changes.
Physiotherapists receive training in cardiac acute care and rehabilitation (i.e. Post heart attack), neurological rehabilitation (i.e. Stroke and head trauma), respiratory care (i.e. Cystic fibrosis and emphysema), pediatric care (i.e. Cerebral palsy and torticollis), and orthopedics (i.e. Back pain and sports injuries). Urinary incontinence is another less commonly known focus of some physiotherapists.
A Physiotherapist must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and be licensed to practice in their Province. The licensing board ensures that their members meet the standards of practice for the profession.
Cheri commonly practices using manual therapy techniques and education. She has had success in treating many conditions and has a particular interest in women's health, chronic pain, and pediatrics.
Some conditions Physiotherapy can treat include:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
- Tendonitis (including repetitive strain injuries
- Arthritis - Pelvic pain (i.e. SI and Sciatic pain)
- Frozen shoulder
- And many more..
Conditions listed in brackets are given only as examples of dysfunctions that fall into that particular classification. They are not a complete list of all such disorders.
For More Information:
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists
www.backpaininfo.com
www.jointpaininfo.com (Physiotherapy Patient Education)