Interesting Facts About Physiotherapy

Over the past couple of centuries, physiotherapy has become a well respected and trusted practice. People all over the world with different types of health problems receive amazing results from physiotherapy. Because it so greatly benefits patients, society’s awareness of professional physiotherapy has grown quite high.

While plenty of people have surface knowledge of physiotherapy, or have assumptions about it, few are familiar with the intricacies of this effective form of therapy. These interesting facts about physiotherapy might really surprise you:

1. There are several classifications of physiotherapy. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, neurologic rehabilitation, wound care, post-operative care, orthopedic, and acute care represent a few of these classifications.

2.“Physicians like Hippocrates and later Galenus are believed to have been the first practitioners of physiotherapy.”

3. Professional physiotherapy was established in Canada near the end of World War I. The profession was developed in response to the needs of thousands of wounded soldiers who required post-war physical rehabilitation.

4. Physiotherapists are highly educated healthcare professionals. It takes about 5 years for a prospective physiotherapist to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. After that, it takes at least 2 years to complete a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy, or 3-4 years to complete a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree. In light of this, it’s safe to say that physiotherapists are thoroughly knowledgeable about their field and are qualified to help patients with many different kinds of health concerns.

5. Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo. Those who suffer with vertigo, or loss of balance/dizziness, can testify that it is a terrible issue to live with. The good news is many patients dealing with vertigo find relief from it by regularly attending physiotherapy sessions.

6. Physiotherapists assign homework. You might assume homework is a thing of the past, but think again. It is crucial that patients work on their physiotherapy homework, or home program, just as instructed by their physiotherapist; doing so will bring desired results faster. Avoiding one’s home program can impede progress.

7. Some physiotherapy clinics employ the use of video games to help patients reach their goals. Actually, there are about 50 video games that are utilized by physiotherapists to “help patients with stroke rehabilitation, cerebral palsy paralysis, and spinal cord and brain injuries…”

8. Most physiotherapists do not require a medical referral. This gives patients easy access to physiotherapy and the wonderful benefits that come along with it.

9. Canada is home to about 14,000 physiotherapists.

It’s likely that most of the people you come in contact with will have some type of awareness of physiotherapy. However, there are many interesting aspects of physiotherapy that are unknown by the majority of individuals. Share what you’ve learned today about physiotherapy with someone you think may benefit from the knowledge.