Physiotherapy is a Profession not a treatment
Since beginning practice in 2016, I have helped hundreds of individuals with a variety of impairments from persistent low back pain, to vertigo and many injuries in-between. One question I still struggle with is…what is Physiotherapy?
The World Health Organization defines a physiotherapist as someone who “assesses, plans and implements rehabilitative programs to improve or restore human motor functions, maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndromes, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases and other impairments. They apply a broad range of physical therapies and techniques such as movement, ultrasound, heating, laser and other techniques. They may develop and implement programmes for screening and prevention of common physical ailments and disorders.”
Okay, so that was a mouthful, but hey they are trying to encompass a profession in a paragraph that must capture those who work in private practice, home care, hospitals, sports teams and specialized practice roles. I love the first half of the definition speaking about assessing and planning rehabilitation programs. But where it falls apart for me is the therapies we provide including movement, ultrasound, heating, laser and other techniques. Although many of these techniques are commonly used we have to ask; are they effective and are they really what is helping rehabilitate patients?
Ask a lay person, and you hear a familiar response: physiotherapy is heat, ultrasound and home exercises, chiropractic is acupuncture and spinal cracking, massage is removing knots and a form and relaxation. This is a very simple summation of what each of these professions really do.
My definition of what I strive to do as a physiotherapist-I think of myself as less of a detector and corrector and more a facilitator of change. I listen, I assess, I understand, I motivate and I celebrate as you get back to the things you love. I provide patient education, goal setting and manual therapy/soft tissue techniques to provide short term pain relief used in conjunction with a long term home exercise program. I offer and discuss specific treatment options to best suit you individually.
Physiotherapy is a highly effective form of conservative management if delivered properly. It is important that you look for someone who listens, someone who empowers and encourages you and most importantly someone who works with you on a plan to achieve your specific goals!
Jamie Deloyer
Registered Physiotherapist
Reference https://www.who.int/hrh/statistics/Health_workers_classification.pdf
