What is a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists (‘physios’) are qualified and regulated health professionals – who treat people to restore, maintain (and make the most of) mobility, function, and well-being.
They are one of the key Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in the NHS.
They are trained to help patients at all stages of life – from infant to old age – whose function and movement are impacted by:
- Chronic disease (like diabetes)
- Injury
- Environmental factors
- Aging
- Weight issues.
Physiotherapists achieve this by using a variety of methods including:
- Have the patient do certain exercises
- Massage muscles
- Use muscle stimulation devices
- Manipulate joints
- Teach certain lifestyle activities like walking, posture etc
- Stretching muscles.
They take a holistic (whole-body) approach, addressing not only the physical aspects of well-being; but also your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. They work at all stages of healthcare, including prevention, education, intervention, rehabilitation, and treatment.
The goal of a physiotherapist is to improve your quality of life.
