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Physiotherapy

Browse the local directory for Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is practised by professionals that are concerned with improving a person’s mobility and subsequently their quality of life. These professionals are tertiary-qualified and highly trained. Physiotherapy is widely accessible with physiotherapists available in private practices, sports facilities, hospitals, schools, workplaces, aged care facilities and more.

Role of a Physiotherapist

The primary role of a physiotherapist is to assess a patient’s condition and to find the underlying causes of pain, whether it be in the joints, muscles or nerves. They also advise the patients on ways to manage their condition and show them how they can prevent further pain or injury.

Techniques Employed

Physiotherapy is a drug-free therapy and some techniques that are employed include:

joint mobilisation and manipulation
exercise and stretches
soft tissue massage
the use of electrophysical agents such as ice, heat packs and ultrasound
breathing exercises and techniques

Conditions Treated by a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is available to people of all ages – from infants to the elderly – and is an important tool in the management of some conditions. Conditions that can be treated include:

back and neck pain
muscular pain and sports injuries
neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease
rehabilitation after major accidents or injuries occur
headaches
incontinence
recovery after surgery or childbirth
the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Referrals and Healthcare Rebates

To visit a physiotherapist, you generally won’t need a referral from your general practitioner. Also, many private health funds will offer rebates.

Information Courtesy of the Australia Physiotherapy Association

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References

Advantages Of Infrared Saunas

Using Infrared heaters, these saunas emit radiant heat which is absorbed directly into the body, whereas traditional saunas transmit heat indirectly via steam.

Back Pain and Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are trained to help you relieve your back pain. Find out more info.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy simply means the use of cold as a therapy. When a person is injured, the most common response by the body is pain or muscle spasms.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Have you ever exercised and found that you have been sore for days afterwards? It’s actually not an injury but a common phenomenon known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Depression

Depression is a mental state that is characterized by low moods, and feelings of sadness, despair or discouragement. Depression that is long lasting is known as clinical depression.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

EMDR was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987, and is a type of psychotherapy. But what exactly is EMDR and how may it help you? Read on for more information.

Associations

The New Zealand Charter of Health Practitioners Inc.


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