Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement and maximizing potential. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and resore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status. It is science based and the exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core.

Chartered Physiotherapists study for 3 to 4 years at university, completing over 1,000 hours of clinical practice in a number of different specialities. Chartered Physiotherapists are involved in a huge range of care and common complaints include:

• Spinal problems - including prolapsed discs, degeneration, sciatica, lumbago, stiff/painful neck and referred arm and leg pains
• Joint problems - arthritis, injury, pain and swelling, stiffness in joints
• Injuries - to muscles ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Work related conditions such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and sports injuries
• After surgery - rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery eg. hip and knee replacements or general physiotherapy after general surgery
• Fractures - treatment to increase the healing rate and gain full function once the bones have healed
• Abdominal problems - such as spastic colon, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
• Gynaecological conditions - including stress incontinence, salpingitis and post-surgery rehabilitation
• Obstetrics - including ante and post-natal classes/exercise/relaxation/advice and treatment for backpain during pregnancy
• Chest conditions - both medical and surgical including hayfever, asthma and sinusitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis and bronchiectasis
• Neurological conditions - such as strokes, head injuries, nerve injuries, multiple sclerosis, shingles, cerebral palsy and ME
• Paediatrics - for childhood conditions including postural and walking problems
• Circulatory problems - such as Raynauds disease, wounds, ulcers and cardiac rehabilitation

Physiotherapists will not only treat the problem but by spending time with the patient will often be able to show the patient how to help prevent the problem happening again.

Physiotherapists use a number of different techniques including manipulation and mobilisation, massage, hydrotherapy, exercise programmes, electrotherapy (eg. ultrasound) and in some cases acupuncture.