Physiotherapy

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is treatment that helps you improve how your body performs physical movements. It can be part of a generalized pain management plan or a specific treatment for an injury or health condition. It’s common to need physical therapy after many types of surgery, too. You might also need physical therapy to help prevent injuries before they happen.

You’ll work with a physical therapist — a healthcare provider who’ll make sure you’re safe during your therapy.

How long you’ll need physical therapy depends on which injuries or health conditions you have and which area of your body needs help moving better. Some people only need a few weeks of physiotherapy to help with a short-term issue. Others need it for months or years to manage symptoms of a chronic (long-term) condition.

Physical therapy combines hands-on techniques, where a therapist manipulates parts of your body, with exercises or movements that you perform under their supervision. It may involve:

• Stretching

• Strength training (with or without weights or equipment)

• Massage

• Heat or cold therapy

• Hydrotherapy

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Typically, physical therapy is an outpatient service, meaning you don’t stay in a hospital or healthcare facility during treatment. It may begin while you’re hospitalized after an injury or surgery and continue once you’re discharged and at home.

Depending on your location and the type of therapy needed, you may receive treatment at a specialized clinic, in a hospital, or even in your own home. Some types of therapy may also be conducted virtually through video calls or phone consultations (telehealth).