What is the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy?

One can use both physical therapy and physiotherapy interchangeably. Both focus on improving an individual’s health naturally, though the techniques might slightly differ. Physical therapists adopt an exercise-based approach whereas physiotherapy uses a manual, hands-on approach to treating patients. Let’s understand each approach to determine the differences between the two. 

Definition of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the treatment of an injury or disease or deformity. Physical therapists in Canada are trained and licensed medical professionals with experience in restoring physical function and mobility. Exercise lays the foundation of physical therapy and also helps patients recover completely. 

Consistent treatments reduce chronic pain and help you function better every day. The professionals focus on a specific area of treatment during the sessions. 

Non-threatening injuries are commonly treated by physical therapy. Whether you need relief from muscle strain, injuries or movement issues, physical therapy can help. 

Definition of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the science of human movement. It uses the knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and psychology to treat injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. Hands-on manual therapies form the basis of physiotherapy treatments. The purpose is to mobilize your joints, stretch the stiff muscles, improve the coordination of muscles and strengthen the damaged muscles. 

When Do You Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is more about exercise. And exercises work best on reduced mobility or range of motion. It is a preferable option if chronic pain is interfering with your mobility or normal lifestyle. The most common cases where it is the most effective treatment include neck and back pain, knee, foot and ankle problems, wound care, fatigue, balance problems and more. 

When Do You Need Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy isn’t limited to injuries. You can opt for it even if you are not in pain. Physiotherapists help you embrace a healthy lifestyle to prevent further injuries. Most medical practitioners recommend physiotherapy before or after surgery to help you heal faster and better. The treatments, after all, boost the natural healing response of your body. 

Musculoskeletal conditions such as Tendinitis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, etc. are highly treatable by physiotherapy. You can find your physical independence and a healthier outlook toward life after each session. 

What Are The Common Physical Therapy Treatments?

Physical therapists may recommend you a variety of stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises to help you recover. The exercise prescriptions are specific to every patient. They improve your mobility, reduce pain and get you back to your normal lifestyle easily. 

The other treatments include hot and cold therapy, which helps in reducing swelling, inflammation and pain. Ultrasound is also a common physical therapy treatment to reduce inflammation in the damaged area. 

What Are The Common Physiotherapy Treatments?

The majority of physiotherapy treatments focus on hands-on manual therapies to bring you the relief you are looking for. The therapies are often customized depending on the severity of your condition. The common treatments consist of soft tissue techniques, massage therapies, osteopathy, IMS, joint manipulation and kinesiology. 

Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy Mean the Same

In Canada, both physical therapy and physiotherapy mean the same thing. Both help you recover from injuries and the pain/discomfort associated with them. All you need to do is visit the physiotherapy clinic as soon as you notice the symptoms of chronic pain.