When it comes to achieving optimal wellness, movement is key.  Physical exercise is a crucial component of maintaining both physical and mental health. When movement is difficult due to illness, injury, pain, or problems with coordination, balance, and flexibility, physical therapy can help diagnose and treat the underlying problem and get you moving again. But what exactly is physical therapy, and how does it differ from physiotherapy? Here’s what you need to know. 

Physical therapy vs physiotherapy

The terms “physical therapy” and “physiotherapy” are often used interchangeably, and for good reason—they are the same thing. You’ll hear one or the other used more frequently in certain parts of the world. In Canada, Europe, and Australia, physiotherapy is more commonly used, but in the United States, you’re more likely to hear it referred to as physical therapy.  Most people don’t make a distinction between the two, although some believe physiotherapy is more hands-on, while physical therapy is a more exercise-based treatment. The truth is that each involves a combination of both. Whether you call it physical therapy or physiotherapy, it is a movement-based treatment that helps optimize health and wellbeing. 

What is physical therapy / physiotherapy?

Physical therapy is a type of healthcare that aims to manage pain, prevent injury, maximize mobility, and improve fitness.  Licensed physical therapists are considered “movement experts,” because they are skilled and trained in the study human anatomy, the principles of exercise, physiology of exercise, kinesiology (scientific study of human body movement), and other topics that enable them to identify, diagnose, and treat problems with movement.  Physical therapy involves the use of therapeutic exercises and physical agents such as heat, ice, or electric stimulation. 

What are the goals of physical therapy / physiotherapy?

The specific goals of physical therapy vary from person to person, depending on the treatment plan, which is designed by the physical therapist after evaluating the needs of the individual. Some common goals include:

• Pain relief

Ice, heat, stretching, strengthening, and massage may all be part of a physical therapy treatment plan designed to relieve or eliminate pain. 

• Avoid surgery

Through strategic physical therapy, pain management techniques, and the improvement of movement problems, many patients are able to avoid the need for certain types of surgery.

• Recovery from surgery

Physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation following joint replacement and other surgeries. It is used to help restore strength, mobility, and joint function. 

• Recovery from injury

Musculoskeletal injuries from sports or accidents benefit from physical therapy, not only for healing and recovery from the injury itself but also for prevention of further injury. 

• Stroke rehabilitation

Physical therapists use movement and physical interventions to help stroke survivors regain balance and restore strength, function, and coordination. 

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

Aerobic and anaerobic exercises to help build endurance and increase lung capacity are important parts of a physical therapy treatment plan for pulmonary rehabilitation. 

Each person’s treatment plan is created specifically for their individual needs. If you or someone you love is recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery that’s making movement difficult or painful, a customized physical therapy treatment plan can help get you on the road to recovery so you can keep doing the things you love. 

Physical therapy rehabilitation in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center

At the Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we provide evidence-based, outcome-driven physical therapy programs in our 5-Star skilled nursing facility. Our highly experienced and exceptionally compassionate physical therapists provide each patient with customized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health. Our rehab patients benefit from an individual, patient-centered approach that truly focuses on each person’s needs. For more information on our physical therapy rehab programs, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.