A physiotherapy clinic or physical therapy clinic is a place in which a specialized team of professionals assist people to help them return to normal functioning. This type of clinic employs licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, often along with unlicensed physical therapist aides, to restore body function and improve mobility, range of motion, and strength. Physical therapy is commonly utilized for to help patients recover from injuries, pain, mobility issues, and certain medical conditions and surgical procedures.
A variety of tools are used in a physiotherapy clinic to assist people in returning their bodies to an improved level of functioning. Common pain-relieving techniques include the use of technology — such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and traction — or through a hands-on approach. Hands-on techniques include stretching and range of motion exercises and massage. These methods can provide pain and muscle spasm or tightness relief while improving range of motion.
Most physiotherapy clinics utilize a comprehensive custom-designed stretching, exercise, and strengthening program. This helps to relieve pain and range of motion deficits while increasing muscle strength to regain normal function and prevent further injury or damage to the affected area. Physical therapy may also come into play when weakness or pain is present due to a disease process, surgical procedure, or other condition, helping to increase overall strength and stamina.
A physiotherapy clinic also usually utilizes specialized assistive devices to improve mobility during an injury or due to a debilitating condition. Common devices used include crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and raised toilet seats. Splints and positioning devices are often used when deformities from a chronic condition, such as cerebral palsy, are present to avoid further abnormalities and decrease pain.
Many healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, long- and short-term care facilities, and assisted living facilities have a physiotherapy clinic on-site to provide inpatient care and rehabilitation. Other clinics, many of which are connected to medical centers, provide outpatient care, often for individuals who are recovering from an injury. These clinics can treat and rehabilitate the injury as well as provide the tools essential to return to daily activities.
In order to be treated in a physiotherapy clinic, a physician's order may be required. Treatment times vary according to the extent of the injury or condition present. Many common timeframes for physical therapy range from several weeks to several months. In many cases where physical therapy is started as an inpatient, a brief time of outpatient therapy in a physiotherapy clinic is often also required.