Podiatrists and Physiotherapists are not a new entry in the health care industry, they are a well-known and respected part of the healthcare landscape for many years,” says Peter J. Cestnick, PhD, a former Physiotherapist in private practice in San Diego, California. “Podiatry and Physiotherapy have a history that goes back over two hundred years to the days of the horse riding stables where the best physiotherapists were doctors who treated the horse more like a patient than a client.” Today, there is a new emphasis on the relationships between the patient and his or her primary health care provider, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early intervention than treatment of any identified medical condition or illness. For this reason, podiatrists and physiotherapist are now seen in more clinics and doctors’ offices than ever before.
A qualified physiotherapist is trained in the physiological assessment of patients who are experiencing muscle pain, stiffness, immobility or other physical limitations. The physical therapy provided by a physiotherapist is geared towards helping the patient regain range of motion and maintain flexibility after an injury. Physiotherapy Mudgeeraba also takes into account the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle changes. The patient’s relationship with the physical therapist is critical to the success of physiotherapy Hope Island, as it is the relationship between the patient and the physiotherapist that makes it possible for the physiotherapist to determine the best course of action for the patient.
“Podiatry is more than just a slap on the head,” says David E. Larson, MSW, RSW, editor-in-chief of the journal Physical Therapy Medicine. “It is a discipline devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system.” In addition to treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, a podiatrist can also diagnose and treat common musculoskeletal disorders such as tennis elbow, tendinitis, bursitis, corns and calluses, knee pain and swelling, shoulder pain, migraines, shingles, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and many other musculoskeletal problems. Unlike a chiropractor, a podiatrist Mudgeeraba treats a specific problem by diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation methods.
As a physiotherapist, your job is to assess and treat a patient’s physical symptoms and establish a treatment plan that will restore the patient’s ability to function normally. The plan is tailored to the patient’s specific problem areas and the physiotherapist must be skilled in evaluating various soft tissue areas, joint areas, bones, muscles, and ligaments. It is important that you have a thorough knowledge of the latest techniques in your field to ensure your clients achieve optimal health. As a physical therapist, you will not only diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system; you will also recommend and implement comprehensive exercise and therapeutic programs to improve overall health.
Most physical therapists offer a wide range of manual therapies, many of which are used in conjunction with chiropractic manipulations and other forms of treatments. For example, if your client is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, you may perform exercises to stretch the muscles surrounding the carpal tunnel. You may also recommend therapeutic exercise programs to improve strength and range of motion, such as using stability balls or unstable balance chairs. These exercises can be done on your own or as part of a chiropractors office treatment program. If a patient has a acute injury, such as a broken arm, your primary task will be to provide pain relief while the patient recovers. In some instances, your physical therapy may require you to make physical therapy-oriented adjustments to prevent further injury.
Many chiropractors offer a full range of services, including surgical techniques and unconventional methods to help reduce pain and improve function. Because they work in an environment that emphasizes wellness, you may find that you work in a shared environment. This means that you get to know your patients well and are forced to work in a cooperative, supportive manner with them. The skills you acquire by working with your co-workers will give you an advantage over other traditional medical providers. In addition to meeting your patients’ needs, you’ll gain valuable clinical experience that you can apply to your future practice. In the medical profession, experience is always a good thing.