Physiotherapist

A Physiotherapist, earlier also than Physiotherapist is a trained specialist who offers a form of therapy that is usually applied according to a doctor's prescription. Its aim is to restore the body's ability to function and move.

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy aims to restore, improve or maintain the ability of the human body to move and function properly. A qualified physiotherapist supports the patient. Click to enlarge.

Of the Physiotherapist masters various active and passive forms of therapy that can be used as prevention, therapy or rehabilitation. They not only include physiotherapy, but also various possible forms of physical therapy.

The earlier form of physiotherapy, better known today as movement therapy, may only be performed by trained physiotherapists. The physical forms of therapy, on the other hand, may also be used by trained masseurs.

The physical therapy consists for example of the sub-areas massage, hydrotherapy, thermotherapy and electrotherapy. The training to become a physiotherapist is standardized nationwide and ends after three years with the qualification as a state-approved physiotherapist.

The two and a half year training to become a masseur and medical lifeguard is also regulated nationwide. Both training courses can be carried out at state, mostly free, or also at private schools, which, however, are generally chargeable.

Treatments

A Physiotherapist can handle a wide range of treatments. He can take preventive action as well as in cases of illnesses or injuries that have already occurred. Another area of ​​physiotherapy is working in a rehabilitation clinic.

In prevention, the physiotherapist is mostly active in medical training therapy or spinal gymnastics. Both can be offered in a practice as well as in a fitness studio. In the field of normal therapy, the physiotherapist is active in many medical fields, although only a few are to be named here as examples.

The field of orthopedics is probably the best known. It includes, for example, degenerative joint diseases and minor injuries. In the field of surgery, physiotherapy can include muscle building, scar therapy or follow-up care after operations. Pediatric problems can include acquired and congenital movement and posture disorders.

In gynecology, a physiotherapist can, for example, perform pelvic floor training against incontinence or postnatal exercise after pregnancy.

In neurological cases, such as strokes, the use of physiotherapy is promising to make the patient fit for everyday life again. In addition, the varied areas of application of a physiotherapist can also be used in many other areas of medicine.

How does the treatment and therapy work?

Basically, the Physiotherapist no diagnosis. Patients are referred by the doctor with a diagnosis, which the physiotherapists use to adjust their treatment methods.

Before starting treatment, however, the physiotherapist creates a patient report in which the goals of the treatment are presented. For this purpose, the patient's medical history is first taken with a precise description of the complaints and personal background. Then a so-called inspection is carried out. The physiotherapist examines the patient visually from all sides. The next thing is palpation, the palpation of the body, especially the affected parts of the body.

Physiotherapy is particularly useful for sports injuries. Tense muscles are loosened, lactate is reduced, strains and small muscle tears are identified and treated at an early stage.

The physiotherapeutic examination is then concluded with the functional test. The corresponding body functions are tested here. In principle, the physiotherapist does not use any devices for his patient findings, but only uses his senses. However, the imaging tests already initiated by the attending physician can be helpful.

The physiotherapist then applies the measure prescribed by the doctor. A distinction can be made between active measures, such as exercise and breathing therapy, as well as passive forms of therapy, such as mud therapy, photo, electrical, thermal, hydro, heliotherapy or massages.

There are also special procedures for the physiotherapist. These include, for example, the Bobath concept, manual lymphatic drainage, manual therapy or the Vojta method.

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What should the patient pay attention to?

When choosing one Physiotherapists different points of view should be considered.

First of all, the physiotherapist should have appropriate training and further education in accordance with the prescribed treatment methods. Furthermore, certain work materials or therapy devices that are necessary for the treatment must be available. However, another important point should also be the interpersonal level. Since the patient has to work closely with the physiotherapist, he should be sympathetic to the patient. The practice should also have a pleasant atmosphere.

It can also be helpful if the practice is close to where you live or if the physiotherapist also makes house calls. For patients with walking difficulties, it can also be important that the physiotherapist's practice can be reached at ground level or at least by elevator and that parking spaces are available nearby.