Physiotherapists

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy (physio) helps to improve movement and function if you are affected by an injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of further injury or disability in the future.

Physiotherapy is provided by specially trained health practitioners called physiotherapists. Physiotherapists in the UK must by law be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK's regulatory body for health and care professionals.

Physiotherapists often work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and occupational therapists. Physiotherapists work in various settings, including hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries, sports clubs and even some places of work. Some physiotherapists can offer physiotherapy treatment at your home.

What's the difference between a physical therapist and a physiotherapist?

The terms physical therapy and physiotherapy are sometimes used interchangeably. Both use exercise, hands-on therapies, and devices to treat conditions that limit a person's ability to move and perform daily tasks. Physical therapists and physiotherapists generally mean the same thing, with physical therapist being the term used for practitioners in the United States, while physiotherapist is used in many other countries, including the UK.

What are the seven core values of physiotherapy?

The seven core values of physiotherapy are:

• Individualised assessment and treatment.

• Evidence-based practice.

• Patient education and empowerment.

• Active participation and exercise prescription.

• Manual therapy and hands-on techniques.

• Continuity of care and collaboration.

• Outcome measurement and quality assurance.

Physiotherapist qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in physical therapy, as well as a physiotherapy licence are necessary to become a physiotherapist. The physiotherapy degree must be certified by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists may also complete a further degree in a specific speciality, such as orthopaedics or sports medicine.

Physiotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of health conditions, including:

• Bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and sports injuries. Physiotherapy can also help with problems such as injuries from lifting incorrectly, pain related to your posture or occupation (eg, if you spend long periods driving or sitting), and issues with general mobility and getting around.

• Brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy.

• Heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack.

• Lungs and breathing – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and cystic fibrosis.

• Bladder conditions - eg, urinary incontinence.

• Women's health problems including prolapse and some causes of painful sex.

Physiotherapists can provide a very broad range of help, including:

• Education and advice - eg, to improve posture, lifting and carrying, to help improve pain and disability and to help prevent any further injuries.

• Exercises may be demonstrated and recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body.

• Manual therapy, using their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to improve movement of the affected parts of the body.

• Other techniques such as movements in water (hydrotherapy), acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and ultrasound.

Do I have to take my clothes off for physio?

With your consent, you may be asked to remove some clothing so that the physiotherapist can easily access and treat the area concerned. Therefore, it is better to wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily taken off or moved.

How long does physiotherapy take?

Physiotherapy sessions usually last around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on what treatments you’re having. A standard course of therapy is five or six weekly sessions, but this will depend on the nature of the problem, the type of treatment required and the speed of improvement.

How many times a week should you go to physiotherapy?

It is usually recommended to attend 2-3 Physio appointments per week during the initial stages but then become less frequent and the problem improves. The frequency will again depend on the nature of the injury or condition that is being treated.

Local physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is available through the NHS or privately. NHS physiotherapy can sometimes be offered by self-referral but often needs a referral from your GP.

Alternatively you can pay for private treatment. Most private physiotherapists accept self-referral but it may still be helpful to have a letter from your GP so that the physiotherapist is fully aware of any health issues that may be relevant to the physiotherapy treatment you receive.

You can usually make an appointment to see a private physiotherapist directly without a referral from a doctor. When choosing a private physiotherapist, make sure they're (see links in Further Reading below):

• A fully qualified member of a recognised professional body, such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

• Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Sports physiotherapist

Many physiotherapists who can help with prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Sports physiotherapists usually provide private appointments rather than NHS referrals. Many are found by recommendation from other local people involved with sporting activities.

Paediatric physiotherapist

Physiotherapists who work with children are specialist practitioners who have the specific skills and knowledge to deliver appropriate care for babies, children and young adults, to provide advice and education, and to encourage family involvement. Most paediatric physiotherapists work within the NHS.