What is physiotherapy?

The term Physiotherapy comes from two Greek roots meaning natural and cure. This is a healthcare approach without medication or surgery, utilizing natural and physical elements and forces. Thanks to its low invasiveness, its side effects and risks are very low. It is a safe and effective healthcare approach, which can safely and effectively be applied alone, or to compliment other approaches in Western or Chinese medicine.

Who is physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is an expert of body movement. They are the only one who can provide physiotherapy services to their patient.
They are all well-trained and qualified professionals who make use of their skills and knowledge in assessing, treating and advising people who have problems
All the world-wide physiotherapists are required to completely pass the clinical and theoretical examination before they are qualified to be a physiotherapist. In Hong Kong, to be a physiotherapist, it is required to register at Hong Kong Physiotherapist Board and with university studies either in Hong Kong and Overseas.

Natural and physical factors used in physiotherapy

1. Heat
2. Sound
3. Light
4. Electricity
5. Force
6. Water

Therapeutic means

• Manual and manipulative therapy
• Exercise therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Health education seminars

People benefit from physiotherapy

1. Pregnant women
2. sports population
3. children
4. adolescent
5. adult
6. elderly
7. palliative care

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Common conditions suitable for physiotherapy

1. General Sports and Musculoskeletal Injuries, Orthopaedic Pain Syndromes, e.g. Neck and Back Pain, Headache, Migraine, Dizziness, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Knee Pain, Heel Pain, Rehabilitation of Fractures and other painful conditions.
2. Occupational Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), e.g. Back and Neck Soreness, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Finger, Occupational Injuries and their Rehabilitation, etc.
3. Cardiopulmonary Diseases, e.g. Pneumonia, Asthma, etc.
4. General Surgical Conditions, e.g. Pre- and Post Operative care.
5. Obstetrical and Gynaecological Conditions, e.g. Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases, Complications of Breast Cancer (e.g. Lymphoedema), Antenatal and Postnatal Exercises.
6. Paediatric Problems, e.g. Pneumonia & Bronchitis, Developmental Problems, Conditions arising from Mental Retardation, etc.
7. Geriatric Problems, e.g. Problems arising from Stroke, Movement or Locomotive Dysfunctions, Parkinsonism, Prevention and Treatment of Falls, Paliative Care for the Terminally Ill, etc.
8. Psychosomatic Diseases, i.e. Physical conditions arising from or affected by psychological problems, e.g. Painful or Locomotive Dysfunction caused by psychological problems, Psychological problems due to long term illness, Stomach ache, Chest pain, Headache, Neck pain, etc. caused by stress
9. Community rehabilitations

Common areas which provide physiotherapy

1. Hospital (Inpatient and outpatient areas)
2. Outpatient
3. Private physiotherapy clinic
4. Rehabilitation centre
5. Elderly home
6. Rehabilitation network
7. Rehabilitation workshop
8. Sports clinic

Educational qualification

1. Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy
2. Registered physiotherapist from Hong Kong Physiotherapy Board

Post-graduate training

• Manipulative physiotherapy
• Sports physiotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Cardio-pulmonary physiotherapy
• Women health
• Paediatric physiotherapy
• Neurological physiotherapy

Post-graduate qualification

• Post-graduate diploma
• Master degree
• Doctoral degree

Special topic

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Frozen shoulder
• Osteoarthritic knee
• Sprained ankle
• Tennis elbow
• Trigger finger