Physiotherapy @ Castle Clinic
FAQ's
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement and function as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. Most people throughout their lifetime will encounter a disruption to their normal movement and function through injury, age, disease, profession or hobbies which will require treatment and rehabilitation.
A physiotherapist has a wide variety of skills available in order to assess, diagnose and treat movement and function disorders using a combination of therapies proven effective through evidence based practice. Your physiotherapist maintains and progresses their skill base via continued professional development including new techniques and constant reflection upon the application of techniques. As part of providing professional conduct at all times the therapist treats each patient and condition with strict confidentiality.
Who governs physiotherapists?
The professional body that governs registered physiotherapists is The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. This organisation ensures that all practitioners adhere to clinical guidelines, professional conduct and rules of best practice as well as regulating all necessary professional cover. To be a member of the Chartered Society a practitioner must have the relevant qualifications and be registered with the Health Professions council. By following the instructions on these governing bodies websites, using the links below, all practitioners registration can be verified:
What conditions can be treated?
Any condition or musculoskeletal complaint can be treated directly by physiotherapy or as one therapeutic intervention that forms part of a clinical group of healthcare treatments.
For a full A-Z list of conditions visit:
www.csp.org.uk/director/physiotherapyexplained/whatisphysiotherapy.cfm
What is involved in assessment and treatment?
The initial assessment session comprises a brief discussion between patient and therapist detailing the history of the symptoms, condition or complaint and how they impact upon activities of daily lifestyle. From here a diagnosis will be made and the ensuing recommendations for treatment will be reported. Throughout the course of treatment the patient will be kept informed of progress of the condition diagnosed and at all times the therapist will be looking to educate the patient on how the condition is being benefited by the treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
This depends upon the condition and how the individual responds to treatment. After the initial assessment the physiotherapist may be able to give an estimate to the duration and number of sessions required but this can be subject to change and is highly dependent upon each patients physiological response to treatment.
What is the patients role?
From the outset the physiotherapist will encourage a therapist / patient relationship engineered towards treating the condition as quickly and effectively as best practice allows. The therapist will always offer advice upon assisting with the treatment of any condition and as the interventions progress the patient will take on a vital role in complimenting the physiotherapist, away from each treatment session. This can include, tissue repair, mobility improvement, strength and stabilising exercise and postural alignment. Ultimately the patients role is one of self-management of the condition and its symptoms which is achieved through the continual education and awareness of the condition and the cause.
What is the most appropriate clothing?
As visual access to the body is required to observe the body during function then loose fitting clothing is required. For example shorts or tracksuit bottoms are appropriate. Please note that if it is an upper body condition then the therapist may request the outer clothing of the upper body be removed. However at all times this is only after the patient has given consent.
Is physiotherapy covered by medical insurance?
Yes. A majority of well known medical insurance companies cover physiotherapy as well as a growing number of independent medical insurers. To find out if your medical insurance covers physiotherapy then give them a call and for peace of mind please feel free to contact Physiotherapy @ Castle Clinic to ensure we accept your medical insurance company.