Introduction: What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring, optimizing, and preserving movement and physical functioning for those affected by injury, illness, or disability. It combines manual therapy with exercise and other forms of movement-based treatments to help people improve their physical functioning and overall health.
For athletes and active people who are looking to improve their physical performance, physiotherapy treatments can be a valuable tool. Muscular imbalances, sprains, joint problems, and chronic pain can all be addressed with physiotherapy. It can also aid in the prevention of injury and disability through risk assessment, screening, and education.
Physiotherapy can be beneficial for a variety of athletes, including those participating in recreational sports and professional-level competitions, but also those who are exercising to stay fit and healthy.
Strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, and coordination can all be improved with exercises that target the muscle groups used in various athletic activities.
Physiotherapy can help athletes stay in peak condition, and avoid injuries. Physiotherapists are experts in assessing risk factors for injury and providing individualized recommendations on how to reduce these risks.
What Do Physiotherapists Do?
Physiotherapists assess and diagnose injury, prescribe exercises and treatments to reduce pain, restore movement and physical functioning, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and coordination. They use hands-on techniques such as joint manipulation, massage, stretching exercises and more to alleviate pain while improving mobility, strength and coordination.
This approach helps reduce inflammation in injured muscles as well as reduce swelling in surrounding tissues. They can also provide advice on how to prevent injury, such as strategies for correct posture and use of equipment, warm-up and cool-down exercises, and how to work with your limits.
Requirements for Physiotherapists in British Columbia
Physiotherapy is a highly-regulated profession in Canada, and to practice as a Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist, you must be registered and licensed with the corresponding provincial or territorial regulatory college.
Physiotherapists in British Columbia must be registered with the College of Physical Therapists of BC (CPTBC) before they can work as a physiotherapist in BC. For full registration, the CPTBC requires a physiotherapy degree from an approved, accredited Canadian institution or completion of the credentialing process with the CAPR (Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators).
In addition to passing the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). Internationally-educated physiotherapists, including Canadians educated as physiotherapists/physical therapists in another country, must first apply to the CAPR for a credentialing assessment before they can practice physiotherapy in British Columbia.
Continuum Physiotherapists
At Continuum, our physiotherapy services are designed by active individuals—for active individuals. Our practitioners are highly experienced and have a special interest in the prevention of injury, performance optimization, and rehabilitation.
Physiotherapists at Continuum Health Centre develop an individualized, goal-oriented plan to expedite a full return to health, incorporating modalities and treatments that are specific to the needs of their clients.
Physiotherapy Techniques & Treatments
The techniques used in physiotherapy vary greatly depending on the patient’s condition or injury, but some common treatments include joint mobilization/manipulation, manual therapy (massage), shockwave therapy (therapeutic sound waves), and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). However, your physiotherapist will tailor your program based on your specific needs.
Benefits of Physiotherapy Treatments
A wide variety of issues related to sports injuries, overuse injuries, and general fitness can benefit from physiotherapy treatments. Physiotherapy is a great way to prevent injuries and improve performance, whether you are an athlete or an active individual. Physiotherapy techniques can help :
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore flexibility, coordination, and balance
- Strengthen weakened muscles while improving range of motion and flexibility
- Improve posture and reduce risk of further injury
- Increase agility and power
- Enhance endurance, speed, and reaction time
- Speed up healing time by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the area where the injury occurred
- Reduce risk of injury through risk assessment and education
Victoria, BC Physiotherapy
At Continuum Health Centre, personalized programs are designed to improve your strength, range of motion, and function. Initial and ongoing care leverages massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness. Functional activity and tolerance testing/training complement ongoing client care. Additional services include return-to-fitness planning and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive, and protective devices and equipment to provide continuity of care.
Who Can Benefit From Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can benefit any athlete, active person, or other individual who has suffered an injury or is looking to increase their physical performance through improved strength, flexibility and coordination.
Professional athletes often turn to physiotherapists as part of their regular training programs in order to stay at peak performance levels while avoiding further injuries. But anyone who exercises regularly may consider physiotherapy to maintain, restore, or improve their physical health, mobility, strength, function and overall performance levels.
For those who are experiencing pain or difficulty with mobility, physiotherapy can help to restore normal movement and decrease discomfort. Those who have recently suffered an injury or undergone surgery may also benefit from physiotherapy to ensure they heal properly and regain their pre-injury strength and function. Athletes of all levels, who are looking to increase their performance, can benefit from physiotherapy to maximize their training and minimize the risk of injury.
By developing an individualized plan of care that is tailored to your needs, a physiotherapist can help you maximize your performance, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love to do, more resilient than ever. Contact Continuum Health Centre today to find out how physiotherapy can help you.
Conclusion
Therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (i.e. massage and EMS), assistive devices, and patient education are some of the main components of physiotherapy treatments. Whether you are suffering from an injury or looking to improve your physical performance, a qualified and experienced physiotherapist can develop an individualized plan of care to help you reach your goals.
At Continuum Health Centre, we know how frustrating it can be trying to find a facility that understands a client’s sport or passion and the rehabilitation required to return to fitness. Our physiotherapists have a wealth of experience in sports-related injuries and rehabilitating athletes to help them get back to their pre-injury level of performance. Our Integrated Support Team focuses on the whole patient, not just their injury. We use evidence-based approaches and individualized care to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from physiotherapy. Anyone who is looking to improve their physical health, reduce pain and discomfort, or maximize performance levels can benefit from physiotherapy treatments.
Through personalized treatment plans incorporating a variety of techniques, our physiotherapists can help you restore function and decrease pain, while also teaching you techniques to maintain your health and fitness. Continuum practitioners pride themselves on being healthcare providers as well as coaches and guides in your recovery process— and we would be honored to support you on your road to recovery. Contact Continuum Health Centre in Victoria, BC at 778-405-3000, or click here to book an appointment online.