Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a mainstream holistic therapy which helps ill, injured or disabled people recover movement and function to achieve their full potential.

A physiotherapist specialises in helping people who have problems with movement. Therapy consists of natural methods such as exercise, manipulation, heat and massage or ultrasound to help develop good patterns of movement.

Physiotherapists are trained healthcare professionals who can also advise on the best ways of carrying, holding and positioning a disabled person or child. They normally work within multi-disciplinary teams in the NHS but can also be found in private practices or even health and fitness centres. They aim to treat physical problems linked to the musculo-skeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory body systems. Referral to a physiotherapist is usually made by a medical professional but some areas now operate a self-referral system.

For further information

Contact your GP.

PhysioFirst (The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in private practice) can give information on physiotherapists in private practice in the UK
www.physiofirst.org.uk

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
www.csp.org.uk