What physiotherapy is used for

Physiotherapists use their knowledge and skills to help people overcome a wide range of physical health problems, including:

• bone and joint conditions
• heart and lung conditions
• neurological conditions (those affecting the brain and nervous system)
• childhood conditions
• conditions that occur in old age

These are discussed in more detail below.

Bone and joint conditions

One of the main areas that physiotherapy focuses on is the treatment of conditions and injuries that affect the bones and joints. In particular, physiotherapists often help patients who are recovering from orthopaedic surgery (surgery to correct damage to or deformities of the bones or joints).

The physiotherapist may devise a programme that includes the use of strength training and exercises to help improve co-ordination and balance. They may also use electrical stimulation (using small electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves and muscles). See How physiotherapy works for more information about electrotherapy.

Heart and lung conditions

Physiotherapists may treat people who have:

• had a heart attack
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a collection of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease
• cystic fibrosis (see below)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic (inherited) disorder where mucus inside the body becomes thick and sticky, clogging the lungs and other important organs. ‘Clapping’ on a patient’s back while they are lying down can help loosen the build-up of mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed up.
Physiotherapists also teach people with cystic fibrosis to help clear the mucus themselves and may work with a child’s parents to teach these methods to them.

Neurological conditions

Physiotherapists can help people with conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as:

• stroke: a serious condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off
• multiple sclerosis: a condition that affects the central nervous system, which controls functions of the body such as movement and balance
• Parkinson’s disease: a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the way the brain co-ordinates the body’s movements
• cerebral palsy: a condition where brain damage affects a child’s movement and co-ordination
• spina bifida: a brain condition that causes a deformity of the spine

As well as affecting a person’s co-ordination, neurological conditions can sometimes cause paralysis (an inability to move) and muscle pain, which can make it difficult to get around independently.

Childhood conditions

Physiotherapists treat children with musculoskeletal conditions (which affect the bones and muscles).For example, muscular dystrophy is a congenital condition (present from birth) where a person’s muscles gradually become weaker over time, leading to a loss of strength and mobility.In such cases, a physiotherapist may be able to use a treatment programme that will help the person maintain muscle strength, increase flexibility and prevent stiffening of the joints.

Conditions that occur in old age

Physiotherapists often treat conditions that are common in old age, such as:
arthritis, which causes pain and swelling (inflammation) of the joints.
osteoporosis, where the bones become thin and brittle
Physiotherapists may help patients who are recovering from hip replacement surgery.

Physiotherapists also play an important role in the general care and wellbeing of elderly people by improving their overall health and fitness to help them stay active and independent.