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Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation science. Canadian physiotherapists are highly regulated and must meet specific training and educational standards. All practicing physiotherapists in Ontario must be registered with the Ontario College of Physiotherapists and constantly work within established guidelines and regulations; they are goverened by the Regulated Health Professional Act as well as the Physiotherapy Act.
Physiotherapists are medical professionals with extensive knowledge and understanding of body movement and how we are affected by injury, disease, age, deconditioning, and pain. They are highly skilled individuals who evaluate, assess, and plan holistic, non pharmaceutical treatment protocols for painful or abnormal movement patterns.
Physiotherapists use a variety of modalities and techniques to treat painful conditions:
-Ultra Sound, Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulators, Laser, Electrical Currents,Manual Therapy, Massage, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Accupuncture, etc.
Evidence and research based Exercise Therapy is used to strengthen, lengthen, tighten, and stabilize muscle.
They retrain balance and gait disorders; they teach amputees to use prosthetic limbs and people with neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions to use walking aids such as walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs.
Physiotherapists work with patients with breathing problems such as Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease to assist them to clear the lungs of excess secretions, develop effective breathing patterns and maximize their aerobic capacity and fitness level.
Neurological Conditions are greatly impacted by physiotherapy interventions: Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries, ALS, Huntington's Chorea, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
Post surgical patients get back to their normal lifestyle much faster following a physiotherapy program; physiotherapists are on Palliative Care Teams.
Physiotherapists promote independence and advise people on healthy lifestyles, fall prevention, self management of chronic diseases and the secondary effects of aging.
If you, a family member, or a friend is experienceing anything that may be affecting how your move safely and comfortably, contact a physiotherapist for a thorough assessment which would include:
- a medical history
- evaluation of pain, mobility patterns, joint range of motion, muscle strength
- functional assessment
- a neurological or respiratory evaluation if indicated.
The following links will further explain the profession of physiotherapy
Consumer Brochure:
Official document describing physiotherapy
How physiotherapy helps
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (Regulating Body)
Canadian Physiotherapy Association (Professional Organization)
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