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Who is a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, are doctors who treat illnesses, injuries or disabilities through physical methods in order to help maintain and restore body functionality and mobility. Incorporating a holistic approach that comprises various exercises, manual therapy, education and advice, these healthcare experts ensure to develop and improve patients’ ability to move throughout their lives.

When should you see a physiotherapist?

If you have ever been through an illness or injury that has physically impacted you and has restricted your movement, you are most likely to be referred to see a physiotherapist.

You must be wary of the following signs:

• Recurring pain post-injury
• Problem maintaining balance
• Constant headaches and backaches while sitting on your desk
• Decline in flexibility and mobility
• Urinating involuntarily (called urinary incontinence in medical terms)
• If the prescribed pain medication is not working
• Aging

Physiotherapy, however, is not limited to physical issues that arise after an injury or illness. People, mostly athletes, visit physiotherapists regularly to:

• Avoid injuries
• Work on posture
• Cope with fatigue

You also consult a physiotherapist to:

• Ease generalized pain
• Heal from complicated surgeries
• Plan an Exercise regime to manage disease
• Manage physical limitation(s) that one is either born with or acquires after accident or illness
• Recover from hip or knee replacement
• Post-partum exercises
• Manage diabetes

Most common reason to visit a physiotherapist in Pakistan?

According to research on the “Level of satisfaction regarding physical therapy services in district Poonch, Azad Jammu Kashmir,” people visit a physiotherapist on the onset of following symptoms:

What are the main areas of concern for a physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists deal with three systems in particular:

• Neurological: The brain and nervous system that is responsible for coordination, balance and gait.
  Example: Stroke , Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis
• Musculoskeletal: The system that comprises soft tissues, bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons and works together to support weight and movement.
  Example: Back pain, arthritis, sports injuries
• Cardiovascular and respiratory: The system involves the heart and lungs working in sync to get oxygen to the functioning muscles.
  Example: Chronic heart disease, recovery after heart attack, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis

Kinds of physiotherapists

Physiotherapy is a vast area of knowledge so physiotherapists specialize in particular fields:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Orthopedic: Treatment related to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
• Cardiopulmonary: Conditions that effect the heart and lungs
• Neurology: Concerned with the conditions of nervous system
• Pediatric: Physical therapists that help physical development of a child from birth to childhood to adolescence.
• Sports Medicine: Dealing with physical fitness, exercises and sports related injuries (prevention and treatment)
• Rheumatology: Management of patients with rheumatic disease i.e. autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that causes immune system to attack joints, muscles, bones and organs.
• Geriatrics: Specializing in managing the concerns of older people and helping them maintain their physical and functional independence.
• Pain: Concerned with pain management (acute and persistent/chronic)
• Women’s Health: Meant for childbearing (antenatal and postnatal), menopausal and older women
• Oncology: Care and management of cancer patients and survivors

How to become a physiotherapist in Pakistan?

After completing FSc Pre-Medical, you can either opt for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) or MBBS. MCAT is not necessary to apply for DPT. The criteria varies with the university. A few medical schools have made NTS compulsory while others conduct internal entrance exams and interviews. After MBBS, you can pursue FCPS degree in physical therapy.

What are physiotherapists called in Pakistan?

• Physical therapist
• Physio
• فزیوتھیراپسٹ