Do you have a stubborn ache in your back or your leg that just won't go away? You've tried every doctor, every pill and every exercise, but nothing seems to be helping. Try physiotherapy.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the process of healing the physical, emotional and psychological illnesses of a person who has suffered a severe injury or disease. The patient could have suffered a severe stroke or a joint injury, such as a sprained ankle, that has damaged some or most of their functional movement, either in that particular area or some other areas of their body. For example, a sprained ankle hinders the patient's ability to stand or walk properly. A stroke could reduce the patient's motor skills in one arm or may sometimes affect movement of both arms. In all these cases, physiotherapy helps to restore and maintain functional movement. Physiotherapy can also help the aged perform their daily activities. It help them regain strength and confidence, and makes them less dependent on others.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can be used differently depending upon the kind of injury or sickness. For heart and lung disorders, it uses supervised ambulation and manual therapy to clear lung secretions, and helps the patient regain strength. For orthopedic injuries, like fractures, sports injuries and arthritis, physiotherapy teaches the person how to use an assistive device till they can walk independently. It also uses different massage techniques, ultrasounds, strengthening exercises, hot and cold packs, and laser treatments. Physiotherapists also encourage a group of patients to work as a team, for faster rehabilitation and recovery.

The benefits of physiotherapy are vast and varied. Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury can leave the patient partially or completely paralyzed or lead to abnormal muscle movement and weakness. Physiotherapy can provide effective treatment and healing in all these cases.

For children suffering with diseases affecting their motor movements, like cerebral palsy, turrets syndrome and autism, physiotherapy can help reduce spasticity and deformity, improve posture, and train the child to use assistive devices and help them become independent. Patients suffering from cardiopulmonary disorders, and those who have difficulty in breathing or performing their daily activities can use physiotherapy to improve their quality of life.

Several clinics and specialized physiotherapy centers in Vancouver staff experienced and well-trained physiotherapists who provide group therapy, patient education, counseling and behavior modification services.