Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists help if you have joint problems, chest conditions, pain or trouble moving and problems to do with balance or control of your limbs.
Specialist skills
Physiotherapists have specialist skills in the physical treatment and rehabilitation of people. They offer a range of therapies including exercise, electrotherapy and manual therapy.
The role of the physiotherapist is to improve a person's mobility and independence. This could be through helping you recover from a chest infection, controlling your pain or helping you mobilise after a stroke. This approach can prevent you from being admitted to hospital, speed up your recovery if in hospital and help you get out of hospital earlier.
Physiotherapists can work independently or in larger teams specialising in different areas of health and medical care. They work in the Health Service, in primary and secondary care, and in specialist centres. They also work in the private and voluntary sector, in education and in private industry.
You can access a physiotherapist directly or be referred from a doctor or other health care professional. Physiotherapists working in the Health Service have to be state registered with the Health Care Professions Council.