5 Different Types of Physiotherapists!
5 types of physiotherapists! That’s a lot! When I sat down to write
this article I wasn’t even sure myself if I could name that many! Of course, once I started
researching and brainstorming, this list came together easily.
Just the other day I had a patient come into clinic who was blown away by the many different services our clinic offered. They had only known of physiotherapists who helped after surgery. Whether it was for not only their own knee surgery, or their grandmothers hip replacement, they thought that this was the only role for a Physiotherapist! However they quickly learned that was not the case!
In this post we’ll be covering the 5 different types of physiotherapists. And, we’ll review the conditions they treat! By the end of this article you should have a really good idea of
which physiotherapist you should see and how they can help you.
1. Post Operative Physiotherapist
As mentioned, physiotherapist commonly play a role in recover post surgery. Whether it be in the hospital after heart surgery, or in clinic following a knee replacement! Physiotherapists are great at helping you recover from surgery.
Typically, people visit a Post Operative Physiotherapist for:
- Conditioning following general surgery
- Hip or Knee replacements
- Shoulder, knee, or elbow muscle or ligament repair
- And so much more!
Post operative physiotherapists usually treat using manual therapy, hands-on therapy, education, referrals to other specialists, and the prescription of a home exercise program. In addition, they may even provide some custom bracing! They not only help you recover and be able to do basic daily activities again, but they help you get back to all the activities that you love!
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2. Sports Physiotherapist
This is a specialization of physiotherapy that primarily deals with preventing injury! Similarly, you can find them rehabilitating patients and athletes who participate in sports activities. Above all, sport physiotherapists help athletes of all ages and abilities!
They can help:
- Increase your physical strength
- Balance muscle bulk
- Prevent injuries
- Improve movement control patterns
- Increase flexibility
- Bracing
They’re you’re go-to for anything sport related!
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3. Concussion Physiotherapist
There are many ways that a physiotherapist can help you after a concussion. It is
such a common injury these days that there are now physiotherapists that focus their whole practice on treating them!
Concussion treatment can involve:
- Education on return to work/school
- Activity modification
- Manual therapy
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Return to physical activity and sport
Concussion physiotherapists usually treat using manual, hands-on therapy to the neck to address any related whiplash injuries. Further, they often perform exercise testing and use exercise as a way to treat concussion symptoms!
4. Vestibular Physiotherapist
While not commonly known, Vestibular Physiotherapists treat a variety of balance, dizziness, and vertigo conditions! They use manual techniques as well as home exercises to either correct or to teach your body to accommodate for deficits.
Common conditions treated by Vestibular Physiotherapists include:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
- Vestibular neuritis
- Vestibular migraine
- Meniere’s disease
- Persistent Symptoms Post Concussion
- Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Age-related decline
To learn more, check out this blog on Vestibular Rehabilitation to see if it can help YOU feel better today!
5. Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Pregnant? Postpartum? Young female athlete? Aging postmenopausal woman?
There is no limit to the type of patients that benefit from seeing a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist!
Dysfunction in the pelvic floor can lead to:
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pain with intercourse
- Urinary or Fecal Leakage
- Back pain
- And more!
A pelvic health physiotherapist uses a variety of manual work, education, and exercise prescription to help you overcome any pelvic health issue you are facing!
Click here to learn more about Pelvic Health Physiotherapy!
That wraps up 5 types of physiotherapists! To summarize, the best physiotherapist is the one that is knowledgeable about your condition, communicates effectively, and who you feel you can trust. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try several physiotherapists – not all will be the right fit for you!
And if you want to learn more about these different Physiotherapists at PhysioPlus heatlth Group, CLICK here to book a free 20 minute consultation!
FAQ
What are the different areas of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a wide-ranging profession with many different areas of expertise – For example there is:
– Paediatrics
– Neurological physiotherapy
– Musculoskeletal outpatients
– Orthopaedics
– Sports physiotherapy with elite athletes
– Respiratory physiotherapy on wards and intensive care units
What kind of physiotherapy is right for me?
There are many types of physiotherapists, but the best one for you is someone who has experience treating your condition. Call ahead and ask the clinic for an appropriate therapist! It is also important to have trust and connection with your physiotherapist, so don’t be afraid to switch physiotherapists if you feel as though it is not working for you.
Do all Physiotherapists treat the same?
Treatment by a physical therapist may include:
– Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
– Soft Tissue Mobilization
– Manual Joint mobilizations/manipulations
– Electrotherapy
– Cryotherapy and Heat Therapy
– Taping
– Therapeutic Ultrasound/Modalities
– Acupuncture
Often different physiotherapists use a different combination of the above techniques that they feel is most suited to your needs. However, not all physiotherapists will use all of the above techniques, so it is important you find the therapist that is the right fit for you!