Physical therapy is often used interchangeably with physiotherapy. That is to say, most people do not make a distinction between the two modalities. A lot of countries worldwide use the term "physiotherapy" to describe this practice. However, the United States uses physical therapy as the predominant term. Physiotherapy, however, can be used either to describe physical therapy, or to indicate a similar therapy. The difference between physical and physiotherapy is minimal.

However, physical therapy can be distinguished from physiotherapy by stating a minor but important difference. Some health care workers believe that physiotherapy can be described as a hands-on method of rehabilitation therapy. The physiotherapist employs manual techniques to assist the patient. Some physiotherapists may also offer deepening stretching or other treatments. Others would argue that physical therapy can be largely exercise-based. It is possible to disagree on this matter but one thing is certain: physical therapy has many advantages for senior citizens.

When is Physiotherapy Useful?

You can apply physiotherapy to many different conditions:

Conditions of the heart or lungs

They run heart rehabilitation centers that educate their patients about quitting smoking and how to live a healthier lifestyle. The physiotherapists also care for patients with chronic obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

The physiotherapists teach patients who have cystic Fibrosis, which is when mucous becomes sticky and thickens and clogs their lungs, about various techniques. This allows them to clean out their lungs from the privacy of their home.

A physiotherapist may recommend an active lifestyle to asthmatic patients. This will include specific exercises and resistance training. This can all help to improve quality of your life.

Conditions neurologic

PT can help patients with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. A physiotherapist might help to improve motor skills, maintain proper posture, and correct gait with the aid of mechanical devices.

Orthopedic conditions

Orthopedic physiotherapists treat conditions that can affect bone and joints, including trauma. These include back pain, sprains and fractures. Once a surgery is performed, physiotherapists introduce joint mobilization techniques such as acupuncture (dry needling), hot and cold packs, and electrical stimulation.

If there are fractures, PT may be able to help with the re-establishment of movement and stiffness.

Childhood conditions

Geriatric conditions

PT is a good treatment for certain old conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, hip and joint replacement, as well as other ailments. These patients will benefit from physiotherapy, which can accelerate their recovery.

Sports injuries

Sportspersons who have been injured can be helped by physiotherapists. They offer advice and guidance about their injuries. They assess, diagnose, and rehabilitate the sports injury and educate the patients about certain restricted movements.

There are many treatment options available to PT. These can be helpful in relieving patients' conditions. This therapy can improve the body's function and movement to the highest level.