Physiotherapy is vital for anyone who is in the process of trying to recover from an injury. There are multiple types of physiotherapy. All are aimed at different conditions, but the goal is the same.

A physiotherapist aims to improve your quality of life by helping their clients deal with both injuries and chronic conditions.

With more than 250,000 physiotherapists in the U.S. today, these are just some of the types of physiotherapy you should consider.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

This type of physiotherapy is typically aimed at older adults, but it can be used to help people who are dealing with age-related conditions.

For example, if you are dealing with Alzheimer’s, arthritis, or loss of motion for any reason, a geriatric physical therapist will be able to help you.

Arthritis can be excruciating for older people. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about 70% of older adults reported that they’re currently suffering from joint pain, with a higher prevalence among women (75%) compared to men (65%). For this reason, many older people seek physiotherapy to help relieve arthritic pain.

Physiotherapists usually recommend low-impact exercises like walking, tai chi, and swimming to older adults with arthritis because they’re gentler on the joints. These movements can help improve mobility and prevent further injury.

Sports Physical Therapy

Sports injuries are extremely common in the U.S. There are 3.5 million injuries per year among minors alone. Untreated injuries in young people can manifest themselves in the form of loss of mobility or weakness later in life.

Sports physical therapists are experts in assisting in recovery and preventing future injuries. Not only can they give recommendations on stretching and strengthening exercises, but they can also utilize massage therapy to aid in recovery.

The reason why old sports injuries cause serious problems later in life is they often go untreated. Trying to ‘walk off’ a nagging injury is a mistake and could cause the problem to become aggravated. Anyone who has experienced any form of sports injury should consult with a sports physiotherapist.

A course of sports physiotherapy supports overall healing and can prevent future sports injuries. Some sports physiotherapy techniques include manual therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, and functional assessment.  

Manual therapy involves applying skilled hand techniques to manipulate or mobilize the soft tissues, joints, and muscles. This can help promote tissue repair, reduce pain and swelling, and induce relaxation in sports injuries. On the other hand, functional assessments, like gait analysis, are designed to improve rehabilitation outcomes and evaluate the risks of developing injuries. 

Physical therapists also conduct performance enhancement programs and musculoskeletal screening for optimal sports performance and injury prevention.

Orthopedic Therapy

Ever experienced back or shoulder pain? An orthopedic therapist could diagnose, manage, and treat these types of injuries. Treatment can improve range of motion and restore flexibility.

Degenerative bone disease, bone fractures, spinal deformity or injury, and trauma can cause musculoskeletal problems. An experienced orthopedist may recommend non-surgical or surgical treatment, depending on the severity and extent of the bone, ligament, or joint injury.  

Orthopedic therapists utilize a mixture of stretching, cryotherapy, massage therapy, and balancing techniques to accelerate healing and reduce symptoms.

Take note, orthopedic physiotherapists may specialize in specific types of clients, such as women who are experiencing musculoskeletal disorders.

Generally, large orthopedics teams consist of physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and nurse practitioners. They provide holistic support, which includes counseling, aside from injury treatment.

Women’s Physiotherapy

As women age, they may experience problems relating to the reproductive system. A course of physiotherapy as part of prenatal and postnatal care can ensure that a woman remains in good health long into the future.

Women’s physiotherapy can help with activating the pelvic floor, reducing swelling in the lymphatic system, and strengthening their cores.

It can also support recovery from the hip, lower back, and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy.

Conclusion

Physiotherapy is not just a form of treatment but a form of preventative care. Major issues that require a physiotherapist tend to arise because of failing to seek out care at the first sign of a problem.

Whether you are an avid participant in sports or carry out physical activity at work, regular checkups with a physiotherapist can prevent future injuries and guarantee maximum performance.

Do you have a nagging ache or pain you are worried about? If so, seek out a local physiotherapist and schedule an appointment.