Fisioterapisti

Che cos'è la fisioterapia?

Physiotherapy (physio) helps to improve movement and function if you are affected by an injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of further injury or disability in the future.

Physiotherapy is provided by specially trained health practitioners called physiotherapists. Physiotherapists in the UK must by law be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK's regulatory body for health and care professionals.

Physiotherapists often work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and occupational therapists. Physiotherapists work in various settings, including hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries, sports clubs and even some places of work. Some physiotherapists can offer physiotherapy treatment at your home.

Qual è la differenza tra un fisioterapista e un fisioterapista?

The terms physical therapy and physiotherapy are sometimes used interchangeably. Both use exercise, hands-on therapies, and devices to treat conditions that limit a person's ability to move and perform daily tasks. Physical therapists and physiotherapists generally mean the same thing, with physical therapist being the term used for practitioners in the United States, while physiotherapist is used in many other countries, including the UK.

What are the seven core values of physiotherapy?

The seven core values of physiotherapy are:

• Individualised assessment and treatment.

• Evidence-based practice.

• Patient education and empowerment.

• Active participation and exercise prescription.

• Manual therapy and hands-on techniques.

• Continuity of care and collaboration.

• Misurazione dei risultati e assicurazione della qualità.

Physiotherapist qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in physical therapy, as well as a physiotherapy licence are necessary to become a physiotherapist. The physiotherapy degree must be certified by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists may also complete a further degree in a specific speciality, such as orthopaedics or sports medicine.

Physiotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of health conditions, including:

• Ossa, articolazioni e tessuti molli – come mal di schiena, dolore al collo, dolore alla spalla, hip pain, artrite reumatoide, osteoartrite e sports injuries. Physiotherapy can also help with problems such as injuries from lifting incorrectly, pain related to your posture or occupation (eg, if you spend long periods driving or sitting), and issues with general mobility and getting around.

• Brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a ictus, sclerosi multipla (SM), Malattia di Parkinson o paralisi cerebrale.

• Heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack.

• Lungs and breathing – such as malattia polmonare ostruttiva cronica (BPCO), asma e fibrosi cistica.

• Bladder conditions - eg, incontinenza urinaria.

• Women's health problems including prolapse and some causes of painful sex.

Physiotherapists can provide a very broad range of help, including:

• Education and advice - eg, to improve posture, lifting and carrying, to help improve pain and disability and to help prevent any further injuries.

• Exercises may be demonstrated and recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body.

• Manual therapy, using their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to improve movement of the affected parts of the body.

• Other techniques such as movements in water (hydrotherapy), acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and ultrasound.

Devo togliere i vestiti per la fisioterapia?

With your consent, you may be asked to remove some clothing so that the physiotherapist can easily access and treat the area concerned. Therefore, it is better to wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily taken off or moved.

Quanto dura la fisioterapia?

Le sedute di fisioterapia durano generalmente circa 30 minuti fino a un'ora, a seconda dei trattamenti che si stanno ricevendo. Un ciclo standard di terapia comprende cinque o sei sedute settimanali, ma ciò dipenderà dalla natura del problema, dal tipo di trattamento necessario e dalla velocità di miglioramento.

Quante volte alla settimana dovresti andare fisioterapia?

Di solito si consiglia di partecipare a 2-3 appuntamenti di fisioterapia alla settimana durante le fasi iniziali, per poi diventare meno frequenti man mano che il problema migliora. La frequenza dipenderà nuovamente dalla natura della lesione o della condizione che viene trattata.

Local physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is available through the NHS or privately. NHS physiotherapy can sometimes be offered by self-referral but often needs a referral from your GP.

Alternatively you can pay for private treatment. Most private physiotherapists accept self-referral but it may still be helpful to have a letter from your GP so that the physiotherapist is fully aware of any health issues that may be relevant to the physiotherapy treatment you receive.

You can usually make an appointment to see a private physiotherapist directly without a referral from a doctor. When choosing a private physiotherapist, make sure they're (see links in Further Reading below):

• A fully qualified member of a recognised professional body, such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

• Registrato presso il Consiglio delle Professioni Sanitarie e Assistenziali (HCPC).

Sports physiotherapist

Molti fisioterapisti che possono aiutare nella prevenzione e nel trattamento degli infortuni sportivi. I fisioterapisti sportivi di solito offrono appuntamenti privati piuttosto che riferimenti NHS. Molti sono trovati tramite raccomandazioni di altre persone del luogo coinvolte in attività sportive.

Fisioterapista pediatrico

Fisioterapisti che lavorano con i bambini sono professionisti specializzati che possiedono competenze e conoscenze specifiche per fornire cure adeguate a neonati, bambini e giovani adulti, offrire consigli ed educazione, e incoraggiare il coinvolgimento della famiglia. La maggior parte dei fisioterapisti pediatrici lavora all'interno del NHS.