What’s the Difference Between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy?

Most times, hearing about physiotherapy and physical therapy can be confusing. The terms can get used interchangeably. But while the fields can be similar, they have significant differences. Understanding them can help you choose what care best suits you. Doing so will enable you to make informed decisions.
 

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is the treatment through physical approaches outside surgery or drugs. People with disability, illnesses, or injuries get help from a physiotherapist. The experts give them:

·      Advice.

·      Education.

·      Manual therapy

·      Exercise routines.

Physiotherapy uses a comprehensive approach to treatment and ensuring the patient’s well-being. It focuses on you as an individual, including your health and lifestyle. The goal is to help you remain independent and as active as possible.

Techniques Used for Physiotherapy

Most physiotherapy techniques massage, mobilize, and manipulate body tissues. In short, they are hands-on. As a result, they relieve stiffness and pain. They also promote movement and improve blood circulation in the body.

Below are some of the techniques that physiotherapists use:

·      Myofascial release and stretching.

·      Massages.

·      Acupuncture.

·      Kinesiology.

·      Osteopathy.

·      Joint mobilization and manipulation.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a type of health care that enables your body to function well. It improves your mobility and reduces pain. It often helps in recovering from surgical procedures or injuries. It can also help improve balance or painful conditions. Physical therapists provide this therapy.
 

Techniques Used for Physical Therapy

Physical exercise is the primary technique used in physical therapy. The specialist designs workouts to increase your range of motion. The exercises also help calm and contract, depending on your needs. The exercises aim to regain movements that may be impossible or painful. Once you get used to them, you can start doing them from home.

Sometimes, your physical therapist can use other equipment. They may also use methods to aid your treatment. They can alleviate pain or treat chronic conditions using hot and cold therapies. Ultrasound treatment helps with reducing inflammation by applying deep heat.
 

Difference Between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy and physical therapy both help improve body function. They use hands-on and movement techniques. Physiotherapy focuses on treatment through manual therapies, while physical therapy focuses on exercise. The different treatment forms help achieve the same goals.

Physical therapy works in fewer settings than physiotherapy. It often helps with injuries that are not threatening. On the other hand, physiotherapy is often hospital-based. It shows up in urgent situations and helps patients after surgery during recovery. Physical therapy assesses and treats injuries, strains, pains, and muscle aches. It helps with movement problems like arthritis that patients experience.
 

Whom Should You See?

Sometimes, where you receive treatment can help answer this question. Physiotherapists often work in clinics, hospitals, post-surgery, and rehabilitation facilities. You are likely to get a referral to one if you are in these locations. Physical therapists are often in rehabilitation facilities, gyms, and private clinics.

Most people first begin with a physical therapist. They later move to a physiotherapist if they need other techniques. Both specialists use safe and effective treatment techniques for individuals with pain.
 

For more about physiotherapy and physical therapy, visit Eisman Chiropractic Clinic at our office in Detroit, Michigan. Call (313) 395-0088 to book an appointment today.