A physiotherapist is a medical practitioner who have special expertise in handling disorders related to movement and body functions.
A physiotherapist must complete a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy within a minimum of 4 years. He must also have a physiotherapist competency certificate and a physiotherapist registration certificate as a condition for carrying out duties in a hospital or clinic.
Conditions That Physiotherapists Can Treat
The main goal of physiotherapy is to restore or minimize disturbances in the movement system and body functions due to injury or disease.
Here are some conditions that involve a physiotherapist in their treatment:
- Respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
- Neurological disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as back pain, arthritis, neck injuries, and fractures of the arms or legs.
- Cardiovascular disorders (heart and blood vessels), for example coronary heart disease, and rehabilitation after a heart attack.
Handling by physiotherapists is not only for adults. Children who have the above or other conditions, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, also requires treatment from a physiotherapist.
Some Actions DonePhysiotherapist
There are three main treatment methods performed by physiotherapists, namely:
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is carried out by physiotherapists by moving, massaging, or manipulating the patient's body parts that have impaired function. This therapy can relieve pain or stiffness in joints and muscles, improve blood circulation, restore movement disorders, and help relaxation.
Movement training
In this therapy method, the physiotherapist provides exercises to the patient to improve movement ability (mobility), and strengthen joints and muscles. For example, exercises to move the whole body, walking with the help of a cane, or therapy with water or hydrotherapy.
In addition, the physiotherapist will also teach patients exercises that can be done independently at home, to help relieve pain or reduce the risk of injury.
Education and advice
In addition to manual therapy and movement exercises, the physiotherapist will teach patients about a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining an ideal body weight and exercising regularly. Physiotherapists will also usually provide specific recommendations, such as good posture when sleeping, sitting, and walking, as well as the correct position when lifting heavy objects. This is useful for reducing pain and the risk of injury.
In addition to the three methods above, physiotherapists sometimes also perform special techniques to reduce pain and help the recovery process, such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and therapy ultrasound.
Before seeing a physiotherapist, it's a good idea to note down some information that may be needed to determine the right treatment, namely:
- A detailed history of your complaints and symptoms.
- Changes or difficulties you experience as a result of your condition, ranging from difficulty with daily activities to stress or depression.
- History of diseases that you have and are currently experiencing, including allergies.
- List all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
To get treatment from a physiotherapist, you need to ask for a recommendation from a medical rehabilitation specialist, so that the therapy given is according to your condition and needs.
