Many people often wonder, what actually IS a physiotherapist. What does a session look like and how can they help me?

What actually is a physiotherapist and what do they do? This is a question many people have, when they’ve never been to see a physiotherapist before. A physiotherapist is a health professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats injuries, disabilities, pain and promotes better movement. It is quite a varied profession with many different areas to specialize in and is so much more than someone you go to see if you have a sore back or rolled ankle.

What are the main areas of physiotherapy?

There is no end to areas you can specialize in within the physiotherapy profession.

Here are some of the common ones:

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: This area of physiotherapy is the most well-known and is what is offered here at 13th Beach Health Services. This area of physiotherapy treats conditions involving muscles and bones. Examples can include lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, muscle tears, dislocations, overuse injuries and many more.

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: This area of physiotherapy is most commonly seen within a hospital setting. They help to promote better breathing and airway clearance. The most common population groups they work with are people with cardiorespiratory diseases, such as bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis as well as those recovering from surgeries or who have poor breathing mechanics.

Neurological Physiotherapist: Neurological physiotherapists cover a wide range of conditions, often those involving the brain. They play an important role in the recovery from strokes, traumatic brain injuries and the management of other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s’ Disease.

Paediatric Physiotherapy: These physiotherapists specialize in anything to do with infants and children. They help to treat anything from disabilities to developmental delays. They work closely with other health professionals to promote the best movement and function possible for this age group.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist: Pelvic floor physiotherapists, as the name suggests, treat conditions involving the pelvic floor. This area of physiotherapy requires further study and covers a wide range of conditions for both men and women, including pre and post-natal care, prolapse, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and rehabilitation post-prostate removal.

What to expect when you see a Physiotherapist at 13th Beach Health Services:

At 13th Beach Health Services, our physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal conditions. Your session with a physiotherapist will cover a variety of things. Firstly, your physiotherapist will get some information about where the pain is, what has potentially caused it, what makes it worse/better and what goals you have, and what activities you want to get back to.

From here your physiotherapist will do a series of assessments to further determine the source of pain and give you an accurate diagnosis. Treatment will be provided, which can consist of a variety of techniques such as soft tissue massage, trigger point release work and joint mobilizations. You will also be given some work to do at home, usually consisting of a specific home exercise/gym program targeting the deficits determined during the assessment. These exercises will help to reduce pain, improve function and return you to your sport/activity.

If you are experiencing any pain or movement limitations it is a great idea to book in and see one of our lovely Physiotherapists. They can work with you to get you back to the activities you love and improve your quality of life. Whether it is a new injury, something that has been bothering you for months or years, or a physical activity goal you wish to achieve our Physiotherapists are here to help you.

ALL SERVICES