Articles on Physiotherapy Treatments & Musculoskeletal Conditions

Physiotherapy is primarily a degree-based profession. In Australia and the UK, it typically involves an extensive four-year full-time bachelor’s degree program, similar to an engineering degree.

In the United States, practicing as a physical therapist now requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

There is a growing trend towards higher academic requirements for new practitioners. For instance, Australia is gradually shifting to a Master’s degree requirement following a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, reflecting the increasing depth of knowledge needed to ensure competence in the field.

Complementary Alternative Medicine refers to practices that claim to have healing effects but are not grounded in evidence obtained through the scientific method. Examples include homeopathy, naturopathy, and chiropractic.

In contrast, physiotherapy is rooted in Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)—also known as evidence-based health care (EBHC) or evidence-based practice (EBP). EBM involves the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the best current evidence to make informed decisions about individual patient care.

Confusion often arises because physiotherapy is distinct from practices like massage or tui-na, much like the difference between traditional herbal medicine and modern pharmacology. While traditional methods can sometimes be effective, their results can be inconsistent, and recovery may occur even without treatment.

Modern pharmacology rigorously studies these treatments to determine what works, why, and under what conditions, including potential side effects. Similarly, physiotherapy employs evidence-based methods to identify effective interventions. Unlike general massage, which may offer temporary relief, physiotherapy specifically targets muscles using precise techniques grounded in scientific evidence.

While a general approach can be sufficient at times, more targeted methods are often necessary for optimal results.

In most cases, a single physiotherapy session is insufficient; the number of sessions needed depends on the type and duration of the injury.

Analogy: Just as you wouldn’t expect to cure an infection with a single antibiotic pill, treating musculoskeletal issues usually requires multiple physiotherapy sessions.

Acute Phase: The initial focus is on reducing inflammation and protecting the affected area.

Chronic Conditions: Addressing changes in posture, movement, and muscle/joint function takes time. Chronic issues often involve muscle tightness, weakness, and joint problems, necessitating ongoing strengthening, stretching, and possibly joint mobilization.

Treatment Plan: To effectively address joint stiffness or other chronic issues, multiple sessions may be required. After an initial assessment, a physiotherapist can provide an estimate of the number of sessions needed for recovery.