A lot of people who are referred by a doctor or a friend to a physiotherapist does not have a complete understanding of what physiotherapy is all about. This is why before you even schedule for an appointment for a Physiotherapy Ottawa, it is important that you at least know even the basics about what a physiotherapist can do for you.

Physiotherapists: Who Are They?

Physiotherapists are your primary healthcare professionals who primarily provides physical therapy services. This includes rehabilitation, health promotion, injury prevention, and also the treatment of injury and certain diseases. Physiotherapists are the ones with years of training and experience which is why they know so much about how the body works. They are using their hands-on clinical skills to help assess, diagnose, and treat the symptoms of injury, disability, and illnesses.

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the treatment method that is focusing on the science of movement. The primary focus of physiotherapy is to restore and maximize your physical strength, function, motion, and as well as your general health.

What Should You Expect During A Physiotherapy Appointment?

Just like visiting your doctor, there are some things that you need to expect when you have your first appointment with a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will personally work with you so that both of you can explore your abilities and also your functional needs. This way, you will be able to have a treatment plan which will include modern approaches and techniques.

During your first appointment, you can expect your physiotherapist to do the following:

  • Discuss with you about your medical history.
  • Assess and diagnose your health condition.
  • Determine your needs.
  • Set and meet your physical goals.
  • Formulate a treatment plan to incorporate with your health, lifestyle, and everyday activities.
  • Advice on certain exercises and needed devices.

How To Choose A Good Physiotherapist

Most of the time, you get to know a physiotherapist when they are referred by a friend or your doctor. That is because physiotherapists are usually working in tandem with your healthcare provider to be able to provide you with the best treatment. You might be referred to a physiotherapist after an injury, a car accident, for residential care, and so on. But how will you know if your physiotherapist is qualified and would be able to provide you with the services that you need?

Here are some of the qualifications that you need to take note of:

Remember that all physiotherapists should have a master’s degree in physiotherapy. They should meet the national entry-level education and also the practice standards before they are allowed to provide care for their patients. They should be skilled when it comes to identifying the root cause of your injury and have the knowledge and skills to provide you treatment. Most of the time, physiotherapists can be found in their private clinics, some fitness clubs, while others employ at hospitals and community centers. There are other physiotherapists who can also provide residential care, home visits, or employ at workplaces and schools.