Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a type of therapy that relies on movement, stretching, and the manipulation of joints and muscles to relieve pain and optimise recovery.
With the underlying aim of physical therapy being to improve joint movement and muscle function, trained physiotherapists work with each client to diagnose the root cause of their discomfort and then manage it – combining different forms of massage with active movement and prescribed exercises.
Perhaps the most important thing to take from all this is the fact that professional physiotherapy is tailored to the needs of each client. Depending on the issue that each client brings to their physiotherapist, a combination of different therapies may be recommended – layering services that optimise movement and manage pain.
Our Chelmsford physical therapy services are hands-on, and both relieve the symptoms of an issue and treat its root cause. But how do you know which services you need?
What Do Physical Therapy Services Involve?
Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is all about controlled movement, rolled out through a series of services that tackle the pain itself and the cause of that pain.
Some of the services included as part of the physical therapy umbrella include:
• Massage therapy: deep tissue, sports, and soft tissue
• Biomechanical services; tackling orthotics and movement
• At-home and in-clinic stretching and exercises
• Acupuncture and dry needling therapy
• Sports taping
More often than not, the cause of an injury does not originate from the site of pain, meaning that a mix of therapies are required to manage the pain and treat the issue effectively.
Who is Physical Therapy For?
Contrary to popular belief, physiotherapy is not exclusively for older clients suffering from aches and pains, and those who have suffered a significant injury.
While remedial physiotherapy takes up a big portion of our time with clients, helping those with chronic, sports, or major injuries to recover and regain a full range of movement again, we also support those with more minor niggles.
Each client interaction starts with a consultation and assessment, to determine the issue and see if physiotherapy is the right option. If not, we can provide advice on how to manage the pain and discomfort and point you in the right direction for the correct therapy.
What Service Do You Need?
With that in mind then, which of the aforementioned physical therapy services do you need?
It all depends on the symptoms you present, your lifestyle, and most importantly the origin and root cause of your pain or discomfort – including whether it’s a recent injury or a chronic and underlying issue.
While physical therapy is renowned for both alleviating pain and improving mobility, setting clients up for better movement in the long run, finding the right service and treatment is crucial. That’s why it’s important to approach all the common physical therapy services with the support of a trained professional, such as one of our team members in Chelmsford.
