Physiotherapy and physical therapy are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe the same profession, which involves using physical methods to improve a patient's mobility, function, and overall well-being.
We all know that exercise is good for us. But, sometimes it's hard to find the time or motivation to get active. Even if you do manage to squeeze in a workout, your body may not be able to take full advantage of it because of a nagging injury. Luckily, there are treatments available for people who want relief from any aches and pains! Now you may be confused because you've heard both of the terms Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy. Is there a difference? Are they the same thing?
In this article, we will explore how these two different words came into use and what they mean for you as a person looking for treatment.
No, there isn't a difference between Physiotherapy vs Physical Therapy. The truth is that they are almost interchangeable. There is very little difference in what these professionals do for patients; it's just a matter of preference by region which term to use.
Physiotherapy is the term typically used in Ireland, Australia, and Canada, while Physical Therapy is primarily used in the USA. However, many people do not know that these terms are interchangeable and that there is little to no difference between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy services. However, some may argue that there tiny differences between both services.
It is commonly believed that Physiotherapy involves a more hands-on approach to treatment utilizing the skills of manual therapy like stretching, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, and soft tissue release. Whereas physical therapy uses a more exercise-based approach for improving balance and strengthening muscles.
Physical therapy and Physiotherapy are terms that have become synonymous in recent years, so you will see them used interchangeably. However, if you ask someone who is a little older and has been working in the industry for a long time, they may have a different answer when you ask them to explain the difference between Physiotherapists and Physical Therapists.
More important than the difference between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy is your treatment. So long as you get it from a licensed professional, it doesn’t matter what they are called.
Regardless of the preferred term, getting you the right treatment is what's most important for a Physical therapist or Physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy provides therapeutic exercise and treatments to improve or restore mobility and function in the body by targeting the injury’s cause. This can include:
While you may think of Physiotherapy as beneficial to athletes and sports injuries, it is also beneficial to people who don't play sports.
The general difference between Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy is irrelevant in favour of concentrating on patient experience and recovery time as tools for success. What remains important focusing on helping patients improve range of motion and physical strength.
Physiotherapy is a great way to improve your mobility and overall health. It can also help with:
There is no major difference between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy. Regardless of what the professional decides to refer to themselves as, the only thing that matters is the quality of treatment you get. Physiotherapy is great for improving mobility and treating joint pain as well as a variety of chronic conditions.
Health providers at Inertia Physio+ offer a full range of Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Committed to patient-centered treatments, we don’t cut corners and work with our clients to develop a plan that works for them, making Inertia Physio+ one of the top Physical Therapy clinics in Kanata.
At Inertia Physio+, we pride ourselves on taking an evidence-based approach treatment plan to deal with injuries. If you’re experiencing any type of discomfort, from minor muscle aches to something more serious, contact us today to book a consultation.
