Physiotherapy 101: what is it and how can it help?

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare modality that addresses a variety of injuries, illnesses and performance issues. Its benefits are numerous and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

If you want to reduce pain, increase your range of motion, restore proper muscle and joint function or prevent injuries, physiotherapy can help. It can also be useful if you’re an athlete and your goal is to enhance your strength, flexibility or physical endurance.

What does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions related to movement, function and physical well-being. To do this, they apply various physiotherapy techniques, exercises and modalities that allow them to work with you to achieve your goals. 

A physical therapist can be a powerful ally who teaches and prescribes exercises, offers hands-on techniques (soft tissue massage, stretching and manipulation) and provides various other therapies to assist you (heat or cold therapy, shockwave therapy, ultrasound, laser therapy and more). 

What are the benefits of physiotherapy? 

Here are some of the many ways physical therapy can be beneficial:

• Reduce pain. A physiotherapist can use various modalities, such as manual therapy, physical exercises and electrotherapy, to alleviate your pain.
• Improve mobility. Physiotherapy can increase your range of motion, enhance your flexibility and amplify your overall mobility. It can be particularly beneficial for people with musculoskeletal issues, neurological conditions and anyone recovering from an accident. In some cases, physical therapy even makes it possible to avoid surgery.
• Manage chronic conditions. Physiotherapy can be valuable in managing rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and respiratory conditions. 
• Rehabilitate. After an injury or surgery, your physiotherapist will play a crucial role in your rehabilitation process. They will design and implement a treatment plan that facilitates your recovery, restores your strength and allows you to regain optimal movement in your body.
• Enhance sports performance. If you’re an athlete, a sports physiotherapist can work with you to improve your abilities, prevent accidents and injuries related to your sport and aid in recovery. They can also help you develop a customized exercise program, provide you with injury prevention strategies and offer techniques to optimize your performance.

Physiotherapy can also address age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, balance problems and mobility issues. 

Physiotherapy on the Lower Mainland

If you’re in Metro Vancouver or Abbotsford and require physical therapy, consult the qualified team at Back in Motion Health. We can assess your situation and help you develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique goals. We work with ICBC and can directly bill most insurance providers. We’re happy to serve you from our locations in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver.

Dilek Kacar completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at the University of Marmara in 2017, with high honor. She works with patients with neurological, orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions. She is certified in Soft Tissue Release and K-Taping. Her approach is to understand the patient’s conditions and help them to achieve their goals through exercise, manual therapy, education and modalities. She strongly believes patients should take an active role in the treatment. 

She thinks that helping other people and improving their quality of life is the best part of being a physical therapist. In her spare time, Dilek plays volleyball, tennis and she loves biking during the summer time. She also loves cooking and trying different foods.

Book online with Dilek Kacar in Richmond