Physiotherapy

What is physiotherapy?

In the CSP Curriculum framework document (January 2002) the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists provides the following definition of physiotherapy:

'Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential:

  • it uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status.


  • it is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery.


  • the exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core.'
















    • Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4


    Physiotherapy is a distinct form of care that can be performed in isolation or it can be used in conjunction with other medical disciplines to provide a team approach to care and return to normal activity.

    Kathleen Reilly believes that physiotherapy is a cooperation between patient and physiotherapist working together to relieve pain and improve function After an initial session of history taking, examination and assessment a treatment plan is worked out. The physiotherapist has the skills and techniques to relieve the symptoms of pain and stiffness, but regaining strength and retraining posture requires a joint effort and maybe correction of gait inadequacies. The patient and the therapist agree a treatment plan consisting of physiotherapy treatment, advice and home exercise.

  • Page 2: Exercise


  • Page 3: What does physiotherapy treatment involve


  • Page 4: what can you expect on your first visit