What is Physiotherapy?
6th July 2016 Conditions & Treatments

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) was founded in 1894 and is the professions largest membership organisation. Physiotherapy is a treatment that aims to help people restore movement and function when they have been affected by illness, injury or disability.

Physiotherapy can prove beneficial for a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

  • Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s)
  • Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
  • Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
  • Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)

Sessions for Physiotherapy usually lasts for 30 minutes. During this time the physiotherapist will treat you using one or more methods including:

  • Manipulation
  • Massage
  • Exercise therapy

Sometimes physiotherapists may use acupuncture, ultrasound and hot and cold compresses as part of your treatment. All of which can help with pain relief.

Physiotherapist will identify the root cause of your problem, ensuring they find which treatment method works best for your problem. They get you involved in managing your own care. This can through a number of approaches, such as education, awareness, empowerment and participation, and may also offer you exercises to perform in your own time to help recovery and limit the chance of the problem arising again in the future.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) advise that when choosing a physiotherapist to make sure they are chartered (they will have MCSP after their name) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

*Information sourced – http://www.csp.org.uk/your-health/what-physiotherapy

Private medical insurance schemes and Cash Plans often include physiotherapy treatment, so if you have a policy in place or are considering purchasing one for the first time, the team at SMP Healthcare Ltd can help check your policy to see how you can access treatment for physiotherapy.

You can contact us on 01245 929 129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com .