In order to work in the UK a physiotherapist must hold a degree in Physiotherapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Their university training makes them experts in human anatomy and physiology and their hands-on examination ability is well honed. Highly regarded for their skills in physical therapies, physiotherapists are vital contributors to any team of allied health professionals. According to the World Confederation of Physical Therapists, physiotherapists help develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and function at any stage of life, whenever that movement and function is impacted by disease, injury or any other contributing condition.
The Physiotherapy Assessment- What Happens?
Say for example you have back muscle pain, one of the major causes of disability worldwide. The physiotherapist will take your history, asking questions such as: when did you first notice the muscle pain, what makes it worse or better and how does it affects your life? You will then be carefully examined. When a clear diagnosis has been reached, a physiotherapy management plan based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines, will be suggested to you.
NICE Guidelines for Back Muscle Pain
Current advice from NICE says that as long as back pain is due to sore muscles a wide variety of treatment options are available. However the main therapeutic emphasis is on physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy Management of Back Muscle Pain
The physiotherapist has a whole host of treatments to choose from. For your back muscle pain you may benefit from manual manipulation or advice on particular exercises including stretching. Other physiotherapy tools include the application of heat or cold to the area of muscle pain, traction or even acupuncture.
Because physiotherapy strengthens muscles and improves function, it is considered one of the most effective treatments for back muscle pain as well as reducing the risk of recurrence. Indeed, as quoted in the medical journal The Lancet, Professor Nadine Foster from Keele University said, 'In many countries painkillers that have limited positive effect are routinely prescribed for [...] back pain, with very little emphasis on interventions that are evidence-based, such as exercises' just like those that may be given to you by your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy for Other Conditions
Physiotherapy is a vital therapeutic option in all manner of clinical fields including Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine and Palliative Care. Physiotherapists can also offer advice and education on things such as correct lifting techniques and showing you specially tailored exercises and techniques to improve your general health.
So whether you have back muscle pain or any other type of muscle pain, consider making physiotherapy your treatment of choice. It could make all the difference to your life.
About Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care we are proud to work in partnership with some of the highest qualified and experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management consultants and physiotherapists in the UK. Our holistic care offers you the best treatment!
At Ramsay you won’t have to wait for an appointment or for your surgery. Your treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self-pay packages are available on request. We have first class facilities and all self-funding and most privately insured patients can enjoy our Private Patient Pledge offering exclusive benefits including superb food, a relaxing environment, priority access and appointments to suit your lifestyle. Our aim is to help you feel like a guest as well as a patient.
Please contact us for more information.