What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a health profession concerned with helping to restore wellness to individuals following injury, pain or disability. 

Physiotherapy is defined by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) as “providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan”.

“This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors.  Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.”

Physical Therapists are well trained healthcare practitioner who have extensive scientific background of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and knowledge in different systemic diseases. Physical Therapists are able to:

• Assess, diagnose and treat injuries and conditions that affect individuals in all age categories and social groups.
• Assist a patient to prevent injury in the workplace or on the sports field.
• Promote healthier lifestyles for all.

Physical Therapists use different therapeutic modalities such as exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, myofascial release, dry needling, medical taping and electrotherapy to help patients achieve their full potential. 

The scope of the physical therapy profession is so broad and varied, therefore, many Physical Therapists choose to specialise in an area of interest.

Physical Therapy has 8 recognised specialties including Musculoskeletal/orthopedics, sports, geriatrics, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, women's health, and clinical electrophysiology.