Both physiotherapy and physical therapy utilize hands-on, kinetic treatments to improve your body’s mobility and alleviate acute or chronic pain. While both fields have some similarities, there are also several notable differences between them.

In a nutshell, physiotherapy involves manual therapies like massage and stretching. Physical therapy is mainly exercise-based. Although there’s some overlap between the two, both are usually administered by medical professionals who have specific training in either physiotherapy or physical therapy disciplines.

What Is Physiotherapy?

If you’re struggling with mobility or are suffering from physical pain, your doctor may recommend treatment in the form of physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy focuses on treating injuries, deformations and physical disabilities through the use of manual therapy. Various physiotherapy techniques can help alleviate pain, improve blood circulation and restore mobility and your overall wellbeing.

Physiotherapy is often prescribed as a non-invasive alternative to drugs or surgery for people struggling with injuries and deformities of the musculoskeletal system.

Some of the most common physiotherapy techniques include:

• Soft tissue massage
• Stretching
• Joint manipulation
• Taping: Lifting the skin with tape to speed up the body’s healing process
• Minimal Energy Techniques (METs): Using the muscle’s own energy to promote pain relief and healing
• Acupuncture

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy helps people restore mobility, strengthen muscles and relieve pain through exercise. The types of exercise used in physical therapy varies and may incorporate equipment, like therapy balls, foam rollers, balance boards and resistance bands. Physical therapists work closely with doctors and patients to devise and implement treatment plans tailored to each patient’s individuals needs and limitations.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, are recovering from surgery or are dealing with a condition that causes pain and limits your mobility, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for treatment.

While physical therapy usually relies on different forms of exercise, your physical therapist may incorporate other healing modalities into your treatment plan, such as:

• Hot and cold treatments
• Ultrasound therapy
• Warm water therapy
• Electrotherapy: The use of electric currents to stimulate the body’s muscles and nerves

The Similarities Between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy and physical therapy are non-invasive healing modalities used to help treat various physical ailments. Both forms of therapy can be excellent supplements or even alternatives to pharmaceuticals and invasive surgery for people with injuries, chronic pain, disability and other medical conditions.

Both physiotherapy and physical therapy can take place in a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation centers and outpatient facilities.

The Differences Between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy

Although there are some notable parallels, physiotherapy is different from physical therapy in more ways than one.

The main difference lies in the overall approach: physiotherapy focuses on manual therapy performed by the physiotherapist. Patients take a more active role in physical therapy where they will often need to perform exercises designed to improve strength, mobility and coordination.

Additional differences between physiotherapy and physical therapy include:

• Physiotherapy usually addresses more urgent situations, such as post-operative care, while physical therapy is often prescribed for chronic or less immediately dangerous conditions.
• Physical therapy can be practiced at home or a physical therapy clinic, while physiotherapy is typically done in a hospital setting.
• Physical therapy can be practiced without the presence of a physical therapist. On the other hand, physiotherapy cannot be done individually; there must be a physiotherapist present to carry out a particular treatment.
• Physiotherapy is usually a short-term treatment, while physical therapy often requires long-term commitment from patients. The success of a patient’s physical therapy treatment plan may be dependent on their dedication to performing at-home exercises on their own.

Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy: Which Option Is Right for Me?

If you’re suffering from chronic pain from an injury or illness, your doctor may suggest physical therapy. However, if your condition can be quickly improved with a specific type of manual manipulation, you may be assigned a physiotherapist instead of a physical therapist.

They are not mutually exclusive treatments. Some patients may work with both a physiotherapist and a physical therapist.

It’s important to note both treatments can help you heal, restore mobility and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

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