Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy also known as Physical therapy is the art and science of physical care and rehabilitation. Modern physical therapy was established in Britain towards the end of the 19th century. Soon following American orthopedic surgeons began treating children with disabilities and began employing women trained in physical education, massage, and remedial exercise. These treatments were applied and promoted further during the Polio outbreak of 1916. During the First World War women were recruited to work with and restore physical function to injured soldiers, and the field of physical therapy was institutionalized. In 1918 the term "Reconstruction Aide" was used to refer to individuals practicing physical therapy. The first school of physical therapy was established at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C. following the outbreak of World War I.

Physical therapy involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases, disorders, and disabilities using physical means. It is a primary care health profession, with physiotherapists providing services to individuals and populations to develop maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. It is considered within the realm of conventional medicine. Though it is typically practiced by physical therapists, certain tasks may be delegated to trained assistants or other types of health professionals.

Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. It begins with an assessment of the patient's condition. This assessment typically includes a medical history review and a physical examination. Often, the medical history review is considered a subjective examination, while the physical exam is considered objective. Both elements are important to successfully examining and treating the patient. The assessment stage may, in some cases, involve diagnostic tests to better evaluate the patient's condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

Physical therapy has many specialties including cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurologic, orthopedic and pediatrics; there is also Womens health physical therapy which addresses women’s issues related to child birth, and post partum. Another specialty of Physiotherapy is Integumentary which is the treatment of conditions involving the skin and related organs Common conditions managed include wounds and burns. Physiotherapists practice in many settings, such as outpatient clinics or offices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, extended care facilities, private homes, education and research centers, schools, hospices, industrial workplaces or other occupational environments, fitness centers and sports training facilities

Treatment is guided by the findings of the assessment. Based on the unique needs of the patient, various physiotherapeutic treatment methods are employed. Such methods may include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary physiotherapy techniques. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are constantly evolving as the field grows.
In addition to the physiotherapeutic methods used in treatment, physical therapists often provide patients with guidance regarding such things as walking devices and mobility aids. Good physical therapists also work hard to help patients stay informed about their particular conditions and the required treatments. Patient education is key to the success of physiotherapy.

At Toronto Physiotherapy, whether you have suffered an injury through an automobile accident, workplace accident or simply a personal injury, we can begin the healing process with a simple consultation and careful and thorough assessment of your injuries. Visit http://www.torontophysiotherapy.net today!