May is officially National Physiotherapy Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the important role physios play in healthcare and how they help people regain function, manage pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
We are dedicating this month’s blog post to answering the most FAQs we get about this profession that we all love so much…
Read on, friends!
Q. What is physiotherapy?
A. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s most updated definition states:
Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused healthcare profession dedicated to improving quality of life by:
Promoting optimal mobility, physical activity, and overall health and wellness
Preventing disease, injury, and disability
Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions
Maximizing functional independence and physical performance
Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability
Educating and planning maintenance and support to prevent re-occurrence, re-injury, or functional decline
Physiotherapists use a holistic approach that can incorporate a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids. Physiotherapists encourage patients/clients to assume responsibility for their health and participate in team approaches to health service delivery.
Q. Is there a difference between a Physical Therapist and a Physiotherapist?
A. No, these terms are interchangeable (as are the terms Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy). These titles and their abbreviations are considered protected terms, meaning only those registered with their provincial licensing body (the College of Health and Care Professionals, as is the case here in BC), can use them.
Q. How do you become a physiotherapist?
A. Becoming a physiotherapist in Canada can take 6 years or more of post-secondary education. Currently, this process includes a 4 year undergraduate degree with specific pre-requisite courses, followed by a 2 year Master’s degree in Physiotherapy. Successful graduates are then eligible to take the National Physiotherapy Competency Examination in order to qualify for a license to work as a physiotherapist in their province.
Q. What are some of the areas of practice for physiotherapists?
A. There are many! Some of these include:
Orthopaedics - this area focuses on assessing and treating conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, and other soft tissues.
Cardiorespiratory - this area works with patients with respiratory or heart conditions to help improve breathing, circulation, and cardiovascular function
Neurological - this area focuses on the brain and nervous system and includes helping people with things such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and neurological disorders.
Paediatrics - this area works with children and might include developmental delays and injuries or conditions affecting physical development and mobility
Sports - this area focuses on preventing and treating sports-related injuries and helping athletes recover and improve their performance
Women’s Health - this area focuses on things like pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy related conditions, postpartum recovery, and changes that occur during the menopause transition
Oncology - this area helps those affected by cancer in order to manage their pain, reduce fatigue, and improve their function during treatment
There are many other skillsets and areas physiotherapists might specialize in including: acupuncture, vestibular rehab, lymphedema management, animal rehabilitation, geriatrics, and more! Physiotherapists play a role in so many areas.
Q. Do you need to be referred by your physician in order to access the help of a physiotherapist?
A. No. Physiotherapists are primary healthcare professionals, meaning you do not need a doctor’s referral to seek our care. We are trained to thoroughly assess and diagnose within our scope of practice. If something requiring medical attention arises during our testing, we will refer you back to your family doctor for further evaluation. Some insurance providers; however, may require a referral from your physician in order to cover the costs, so please check with your particular benefit plan for specific details.
Q. How does a physiotherapist conduct an assessment?
A. First, we’ll start with taking a detailed history of your complaints and medical history. We will perform a number of physical tests including observing your movement, measuring your range of motion and strength, conducting neurological screening, and various other specific testing items. We then analyze our findings and together with our knowledge and clinical reasoning, we’ll determine a diagnosis.
Q. What does treatment look like with a physiotherapist?
A. Once a diagnosis is established, we will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that takes into consideration your functional needs and personal goals. Treatment might include manual therapy (hands on techniques including joint mobilization, myofascial release, manipulation), exercise prescription, education, return to work planning, prescription of assistive devices, and more! No two treatment plans are alike.
Are you ready to seek the care of a physiotherapist and improve your quality of life?
If so, give us a call at 250-339-6221 or book online here.
