When should it be done? of Physiotherapy

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Physiotherapy is a physical (hands-on or manual) treatment that helps people to regain use of their body after an injury or disease. It is also used to slow the progression of long-term conditions, and for rehabilitation after surgery. Common areas in which physiotherapy is used include:

Care of the elderly â€“ physiotherapy is often used to treat conditions that are particularly common in old age, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and hip and joint replacements. Physiotherapy can also be an important part of general care for elderly people, by helping them to stay active and independent, reduce pain and improve fitness.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation - this is when physiotherapy is used to treat conditions affecting the heart and lungs, and after surgery. It may be recommended for people who have heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or following heart surgery.

Neurological - physiotherapy can be used to help people who have a condition that affects the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonâ€™s disease, stroke and cerebral palsy. Neurological conditions such as these can cause paralysis (being unable to move), difficulty balancing and muscle pain, which can make it hard to get around independently.

Orthopaedic - physiotherapy is often used to treat conditions and injuries affecting the bones, joints and muscles, such as sports injuries and arthritis, as well as assisting with rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery. Strength training, heat packs (applying a controlled amount of heat to affected joints), and electrical stimulation (tiny electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves and muscles)are sometimes used alongside physiotherapy for orthopaedic problems.

Paediatric - physiotherapy may be used to treat children who have conditions affecting the muscles or skeleton, some of which may be present from birth (congenital). Treatment helps to improve balance, strength and co-ordination, and may be recommended for conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.