Common Conditions Treated by Physiotherapists

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain. It is a branch of rehabilitative healthcare where trained and licensed medical professionals use specially designed equipment and exercise regimens to treat abnormal physical functions and provide appropriate treatment. The best physiotherapy treatments should be holistic, considering various factors that could influence the patient’s condition and pain.

Physiotherapists, or physical therapists, play a crucial role in enhancing patients’ mobility, strength, and overall well-being. They employ a variety of techniques and exercises to treat a wide range of conditions. The list of diseases treated by physical therapy includes neurological disorders, genetic, or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as sports injuries or even common issues like dizziness.

Ideall, physiotherapists work in tandem with other medical professionals or they can offer physiotherapy as a standalone treatment. However, when it complements other treatments, your doctor will refer you to a physiotherapist for preventative care, restorative therapy, or pain management. People of all ages can improve their health through physical therapy, which can treat a wide range of conditions.

Here are some of the most common conditions treated by physiotherapists:

 1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders involve the muscles, bones, and joints. Physiotherapists commonly treat conditions such as:

Back Pain: This is one of the most frequent complaints. Physiotherapy can help alleviate pain through exercises, manual therapy, and education on proper posture and body mechanics.

Neck Pain: Similar to back pain, neck pain can be managed through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and ergonomic advice.

Arthritis: Physiotherapists help manage arthritis symptoms by improving joint mobility, increasing strength, and reducing pain through tailored exercise programs.

Sports Injuries: Conditions like sprains, strains, and ligament injuries are treated with rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring function and preventing re-injury.

Lymphedema: Excess fluids accumulate in the lymphatic system and move into the bloodstream, causing swelling. Physical therapists use complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to reduce swelling and prevent future fluid buildup.

Muscle Dystrophy: Muscles and skeleton degenerate and get progressively weakened due to age or various disorders. This can be treated with mobility exercises and the use of supportive frames. 

Limited range of motion (ROM): Too much stress due to the overuse of some parts of your body causes swelling or tenderness in those areas. Range of motion can become restricted. However, physical therapy can help restore it.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Activities like sitting at a computer all day, cooking, kneading dough, and playing the guitar can lead to repetitive stress injuries. However, wrist injuries and pain can be alleviated by changing your posture and performing stretches and exercises.

2. Neurological Conditions

Neurological conditions affect the nervous system and can significantly impact mobility and function. Physiotherapists commonly manage:

Stroke: Rehabilitation post-stroke focuses on improving movement, balance, and coordination to help patients regain independence.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms like muscle weakness, spasticity, and balance issues.

Parkinson’s Disease: Treatment includes exercises to improve mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as strategies to manage tremors and rigidity.

Vertigo: Dizziness or lightheadedness is a general and frequent complaint of many people, leading to dangerous falls. Since physical therapy improves balance, vertigo can be treated.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This complex disorder causes debilitating tiredness that cannot be improved with rest. Physical therapists, together with doctors, formulate a treatment plan with endurance training tasks.

Huntington’s disease: Both voluntary and involuntary movements get affected by Huntington’s disease. Spasms, slurred speech, and unsteady gait are some of the common symptoms, which can be treated with physical therapy.

3. Cardiorespiratory Conditions

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy involves the treatment of conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Common conditions include:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Physiotherapists use techniques to improve lung function, manage breathlessness, and enhance overall physical fitness.

Asthma: Education on breathing techniques and exercises can help manage symptoms and improve respiratory function.

Post-Heart Attack Rehabilitation: This involves exercises and education to improve cardiovascular health and prevent future heart issues.

4. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After surgery, physiotherapy is essential to ensure proper healing and restore function. Common post-surgical conditions treated include:

Joint Replacements: Physiotherapy helps patients regain mobility and strength after hip, knee, or shoulder replacements.

Spinal Surgery: Rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving spinal stability.

Fractures: A simple fall can lead to broken bones and as a result, your movement and independence will be affected. Depending on the severity of your pain and the fracture location, treatment will be prescribed. Post-operative physiotherapy is crucial for restoring function and strength after bone fractures.

5. Pediatric Conditions

Children with physical disabilities or developmental delays often benefit from physiotherapy. Common pediatric conditions that are treated by physiotherapists include:

Cerebral Palsy: Physiotherapy aims to improve mobility, strength, and coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

Developmental Delays: Early intervention with physiotherapy can help children achieve developmental milestones.

Congenital Disorders: Conditions like spina bifida or muscular dystrophy require ongoing physiotherapy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

6. Geriatric Conditions

Older adults often face a range of physical challenges. Physiotherapy can help manage:

Osteoporosis: Thin and brittle, sponge-like bones have many holes inside them, causing them to break. Also, disabling fractures can be prevented with timely therapy. Exercises are prescribed to help improve bone density and balance, thereby reducing the risk of fractures.

Falls Prevention: Physiotherapists plan programs designed to help improve strength, balance, and coordination so that falls are prevented. 

General Mobility Issues: Physiotherapists help older adults maintain or improve their functional independence.

7. Women’s Health Issues

Physiotherapists also specialise in treating conditions specific to women, including:

Pregnancy-Related Pain:  Managing back pain, pelvic pain, and other musculoskeletal issues during and after pregnancy. 

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Treatment for incontinence, prolapse, and other pelvic floor issues through specialised exercises and manual therapy.