Think physiotherapy is just for those annoying aches and twinges, sports injuries or in-hospital rehab? Think again. Physiotherapy is all about optimising our physical wellbeing, whether by improving or protecting our bodies, supporting them to get back to full capacity, or finding adaptive solutions to help us maintain our lifestyle. 

But a word of warning – if you want to get the most out of physiotherapy, you have to actively participate in your treatment. That might mean lifestyle changes, completing exercises or new activities, or utilising aids and equipment adaptations.  

Whatever your illness, injury or disability, physiotherapy can help to restore movement and function, manage pain, and reduce your risk of future complications.  

Here are some fast facts on physio, to answer the discipline’s most frequently asked questions: 

  • To become a physiotherapist in Australia, you have to complete a bachelor, masters or professional doctorate program, as well as supervised practice in a clinical setting. The Physiotherapy Board of Australia is responsible for registering practitioners who meet the minimum standards, investigating and managing concerns or complaints about the performance, conduct or health of practitioners (co-regulated in NSW).  

 

  • Around 66% of physiotherapists are female, and the average age across the profession is 37.8 years! (2020 snapshot). 

 

  • Physiotherapy is a holistic practice – partnering manual therapy with education and advice around lifestyle, movement and exercise, and prescribing aids, appliances and modifications.  

 

  • The profession doesn’t just tackle ‘problems’ – physiotherapy can be used proactively, to improve your physical activity, help prevent injury, and support ongoing independence. 

 

  • Physiotherapists work closely with GPs and specialists to manage conditions relating to illness, injury or disability. That includes referral for scans, injections, medication or the involvement of other allied health professionals.  

 

  • When you work with a physiotherapist, they will gather information on your medical history, assess and then diagnose your condition, create a goal-focused treatment plan, prescribe exercises and, as necessary, assistive devices/modifications.  

 

  • The objective of physiotherapy is, in many cases, to restore full or partial function of an affected body part, or to find ways your body – potentially with assistance – can compensate. 

 

  • Depending on the reason for treatment, physiotherapy’s many benefits can include a reduction in pain relief needs, the avoidance of surgery, improved performance, function and balance.  

Whether you or a loved one have a diagnosed condition, or just want support to live, exercise or age well, it’s worth looking into physiotherapy. Check out Humanity Health Group’s supports, and start moving your way to a happier, healthier future!