Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a form of healthcare that focuses on the science of movement that helps in restoring and maintaining your physical function, mobility, and independence.
Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, increase strength and range of motion, and improve overall physical well-being.
Physiotherapy works by helping to improve and restore the function of your body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical function.
During a physiotherapy session, a therapist will assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy techniques and modalities such as heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound.
These interventions are designed to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. By working with a physiotherapist, you can learn how to manage your condition, prevent further injury, and achieve your physical goals, whether that be returning to sports or simply everyday activities.
Physiotherapy can be used to treat the following conditions:
The results of physiotherapy vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.
However, in general, you can expect some of the following outcomes:
Results of physiotherapy can take time, and may require ongoing treatment or maintenance exercises to maintain the benefits achieved. Work closely with your orthopaedist and follow their recommendations for exercises and activities for the best results.
The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies depending on the individual’s condition and treatment goals. Generally, a physiotherapy treatment plan will involve multiple sessions over a period of several weeks or months.
During the initial evaluation, your orthopaedist will discuss your condition, goals and treatment plan. They will also assess your progress during subsequent sessions and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
In some cases, patients may see improvement after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment over a longer period of time.
Dr Puah KL is our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Artisan Sports & Orthopaedic Surgery. He used to serve the sports service of Singapore General Hospital - the highest volume trauma centre for orthopaedics in Singapore.
