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Physiotherapy

Your Physiotherapist’s Role in Rehabilitation

By August 4, 2022December 5th, 2022No Comments

Table of Contents

Physiotherapists are specialists in human movement and play a crucial role in preventing, diagnosing, evaluating, treating, and rehabilitating persons whose mobility and function are threatened or impaired by aging, injury, illness or environmental causes. Physiotherapists help individuals at all stages of life to recover from injury, decrease pain and stiffness, promote mobility and movement, and maximize function and quality of life, all while taking into account physical, psychological, emotional and social wellness.

Governance

Physiotherapy is governed internationally by World Physiotherapy, which advocates that the profession of physiotherapy is responsible for articulating the profession’s scope of practice and defining the roles of physiotherapists. National physiotherapy associations are responsible for defining physiotherapy and the role of physiotherapists in health service delivery. Physiotherapists are independent practitioners who may take referrals from various sources, including the patient themself (self-referral) or other individuals associated with the patient’s care.

Workplaces of Physiotherapists

Physiotherapy is performed in a variety of public, private and non-profit contexts;

  • Hospitals – in outpatient settings, medical and surgical wards and specialized units including critical care, coronary care, burns and rehabilitation facilities.
  • Community and Primary Care Health Centers – diagnosing and treating a broad range of muscle, joint and ligament disorders, as well as women’s health, neurological and respiratory diseases. Providing therapy and counseling helps with enhancing independence.
  • Schools – assisting youngsters in realizing their greatest potential.
  • The Workplace – delivering ergonomic examinations, pre-employment screening, risk management and providing education to employees.
  • Private Practice – diagnosing and treating a broad range of muscle, joint, and ligament issues and women’s health, neurological and respiratory diseases, among others.

Expertise and Abilities for Clinical Practice

Physiotherapists should have the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide services related to, but not limited to, musculoskeletal and orthopaedic function, respiratory function, neurological function, cardiovascular function, visual function, sexual function, vestibular function, and the prescription of assistive devices to optimize function across the entire lifespan in a variety of settings and contexts. Numerous physiotherapists operate in private practice, as instructors, or as consultants in various contexts.

Physiotherapists use their professional knowledge and practical skills, along with critical thinking and interpersonal skills, to identify what is limiting an individual’s movement and function, taking into account the impact of physical, psychological, social and environmental factors to assist the individual with deciding how to best address their needs.

Evaluation and Identification

This involves the examination of people or groups with real or anticipated impairments, activity limits, or participation restrictions through the use of history, screening, and particular tests and assessments. Physiotherapists must do the following:

  • Conduct a thorough examination/evaluation of the patient/client/population or the demands of a client group.
  • Evaluate the examination/assessment results to establish clinical determinations on patients/clients.
  • Implement a physical therapist intervention/treatment and education program following needs of the patient/client.
  • Evaluate and reevaluate the results of all interventions, therapies and education.
  • Make suggestions on self-management.
  • Collaborate with health experts and other influential parties.
  • Formulate a diagnostic, prognosis and plan.
  • Provide advice within the scope of their knowledge and evaluate whether patients/clients need a referral to another specialist.

Treatment and Intervention

Physiotherapist Role in a Rehabilitation TeamIntervention and treatment targets the prevention of impairments, activity limits, participative restrictions, disability and injury, as well as the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, workability, and physical fitness across all age groups and demographics. Intervention is executed and changed to achieve agreed-upon objectives, and interventions may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Education
  • Physical therapy exercise
  • Training in self-care, home management, employment, community and recreation
  • Manual treatment approaches (mobilization/manipulation included)
  • Prescription, application, and construction of equipment and devices (assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, supportive, prosthetic)
  • Airway clearance techniques
  • Breathing procedures
  • Integumentary repair and protection approaches
  • Electrotherapeutic interventions
  • Physical factors and mechanical procedures

Visit your Langley area’s best physiotherapists today and experience the benefits for yourself. Call us at (778) 278-4755 or visit fraserlifephysio.ca online today.

 

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