The Importance of Health Checks

Top Things You Should Know About Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy

21 October 2022 by Roberta Craig

If you are recovering from an injury or are otherwise dealing with pain, your doctor might have recommended physiotherapy, physical therapy or both. You could be wondering about the differences between the two. After all, it's normal to want to know a little more about the treatments that will be used to help you recover from your injury or illness-related pain. These are some of the things you might want to know about physiotherapy vs. physical therapy.

There Are Similarities

You might not think there is much of a difference between physiotherapy and physical therapy, and it's true that there are a lot of similarities between the two. Both are mostly natural; basically, they involve things like exercise or massage instead of medication or surgery. They can both be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or medication. They can both often be done either at home or in a clinic or facility. Both are often covered fully or partially by insurance. They're both typically used to help people who are suffering from physical pain, loss of motion, or both. Both require clinicians who provide care to undergo certain schooling, pass an exam and hold a license.

The Two Do Have Differences

Even though there are quite a few similarities between physiotherapy and physical therapy, you should know that the two are not interchangeable. Physical therapy normally focuses more on exercise. Basically, a physical therapist will guide you and assist you in performing exercises that are designed to help with relieving pain, regaining motion and healing. Your physical therapist will assist you in person, but you will also typically be given a list of exercises that you should do on your own in-between appointments.

With physiotherapy, on the other hand, your physiotherapist will typically use their hands to help with things like massage. Many people don't realize it, but massage can be highly effective at things like helping with getting rid of the pain. Physiotherapy is also often a better option than physical therapy for those who have serious mobility issues and who are unable to do the exercises that would generally be recommended by a physical therapist.

You Can Take Advantage of Both

You don't actually have to choose between physical therapy and physiotherapy. Your doctor might recommend that both will be a good option for you. You might receive treatment from both a physical therapist and a physiotherapist on the same day if you go to a clinic for care, or your appointments might be on different days. These appointments can be coordinated with your primary care doctor and other healthcare providers to provide you with well-rounded care.

Share

Search