Physiotherapy and physical therapy are two different types of treatments that you may receive at various stages of your life. When discussing the topic of physiotherapy vs physical therapy, you might be wondering what is the difference between these two types of treatment. Keep reading to discover the answer to the question of is physiotherapy the same as physical therapy and when you would consider either of these treatments with our team.
Physical Therapy vs Physiotherapy
While the two treatments have many similarities, there are some differences in their approach to caring for patients. Physical therapy is designed to help reduce pain you are feeling and improve mobility in your joints. The aim of physical therapy is to help you to function better in your daily life, particularly after recovering from an injury or surgery. Some people do use this treatment in the long term though, to help deal with a painful condition or to improve challenges they are facing, such as with their balance.
Physical therapists are a type of trained medical professional, but the certificate they will have may vary depending on where you are based in the world. They should be able to help diagnose injuries or conditions and improve your physical function to help lead a normal life.
On the other hand, physiotherapy is used to treat disease and injury with a range of techniques, including massage and joint manipulation. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce the reliance on drugs or surgery, and it takes a more holistic approach to your overall health and wellbeing. Physiotherapists won’t just focus on improving your mobility, as they’ll also discuss your lifestyle and overall health during your session.
Physiotherapy aims to help you to stay independent and more active during your life, no matter what age you are. Sports physiotherapy is a type of physiotherapy designed for those who are particularly active or compete in a sport. This will help you to recover from injury or illness, allowing you to return to your previous exercise routine as soon as possible. You’ll also find that there are advanced physiotherapy options on the market, which can be used to offer treatment to those who need further assistance beyond what a physiotherapist would typically provide.
The Difference Between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy
As you can see, there are quite a few similarities between the two treatments, but there are also many differences in their approach. During both sessions, you’ll find that when comparing a physiotherapist vs physical therapist, they both take a hands-on approach to your health and wellbeing. Physiotherapy is primarily based on manual therapies, whereas physical therapy will use exercises to help you to enjoy improved movement and reduced pain.
Many physiotherapists are based in hospitals, but this isn’t always the case. A physical therapist is more likely to be based in an office, as they don’t treat so life-threatening injuries. They’ll be able to help you with your aches and pains or injury recovery, which you may need at any stage of your life. A physical therapist may also offer you hot and cold therapies during your session, which can help to reduce the pain and inflammation. Ultrasound is often added as part of the treatment as well, which can help to deeply heat your injury and reduce the inflammation in the surrounding area. We always recommend asking anyone you are going to work with for the first time what type of treatment they will use, as this is important for you to understand if it’s the right option for you based on your current needs and concerns.
Common Techniques Used by Physiotherapists
When working with a physiotherapist, you’ll find that they use a variety of hands-on techniques to massage your muscle tissue. This can decrease any stiffness and pain you are feeling, while also improving your blood circulation. When deciding whether you’ll see a physiotherapist or physical therapist, you’ll find that a physiotherapist is a good option for short-term treatment following surgery or an accident. On the other hand, you’ll usually see a physical therapist for a longer time period, helping you to enjoy a better overall quality of life.
As you can see, there are both similarities and differences between physiotherapy and physical therapy. Both of these treatments can help you to enjoy an overall better quality of life and regain your confidence performing your daily activities. If you are looking to experience physiotherapy for yourself, we highly encourage you to get in touch with our team today. They’ll be happy to support you during any challenges you are facing and ensure that this is the right treatment for you. Contact us today for more information about working with a physiotherapist or physical therapist – we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have on this topic and find the right solution for your current needs.
