At your first appointment, you will be assessed to decide what kind of assistance you may require.

Three of the most common methods used by physiotherapists are:

• education and advice
• movement and exercise
• manual therapy

Sometimes other techniques, such as acupuncture or ultrasound treatment, may also be tried.

Education and advice

One of the most important parts of physiotherapy is looking at the body as a whole, rather than just the individual components of an injury.

As a result, providing general advice on methods to improve your wellbeing, such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight for your height and build, is an essential part of treatment.

A physiotherapist can also give you specific guidance on how to care for yourself and reduce your risk of pain or injury in daily activities.

If you have back pain, for example, you may be advised to maintain good posture, use proper lifting and carrying techniques, and avoid awkward twisting, over-stretching, and extended standing.

Movement and exercise

Movement and exercise are typically recommended by physiotherapists to help enhance mobility and function. This could include:

Exercises designed to improve movement and strength in a specific part of the body – these must usually be repeated on a regular basis for a set amount of time activities that involve moving your entire body, such as walking or swimming – these can help if you’re recovering from an operation or injury that limits your mobility.

Exercises in warm, shallow water (hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy) – the water can help relax and support the muscles and joints, while also providing resistance to help you progressively get stronger advice and exercises to help you increase or keep your physical activity – The significance of staying active will be discussed, as well as how to do so in a safe and effective manner.

Guidance on how to use mobility aids like crutches or a walking stick to help you move around.

Your physiotherapist may also suggest exercises that you can do in the future to help you manage pain or reduce your risk of reinjuring yourself.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a method in which a physiotherapist manipulates, mobilizes, and massages body tissues with their hands.

This can help:

• relieve pain and stiffness
• improve blood circulation
• help fluid drain more efficiently from parts of the body
• improve the movement of different parts of the body
• promote relaxation

Manual therapy can be used to address specific problems, such as back pain, but it may also be beneficial for a variety of other conditions that do not involve the bones, joints, or muscles.

Massage, for example, may improve the quality of life for some people with severe or long-term conditions by lowering anxiety and improving sleep quality. Certain lung conditions can also benefit from manual methods.