Physiotherapy is concerned with the treatment of physical symptoms and injuries of the human support and movement system. A physiotherapist can further specialise in different directions within the field.

The physiotherapist has completed training to become a specialist in movement. During this training, extensive attention is paid to, among other things, the anatomy of the human body, the physical examination and different treatment options. Everything is aimed at helping the patient as well as possible.

Specialisations

A physiotherapist can also specialise further. Additional training is then followed to delve even more into a particular body region or specific disease pattern. The set-up of the treatment plan with a specialised physiotherapist looks more or less the same. The physical examination and the treatment options will differ depending on the specialism.

Below is an overview of the different specialisations within physiotherapy.

A treatment with a specialised physiotherapist does not always have added value. The added value depends on the symptom pattern of the patient and whether a specialisation exists for this symptom pattern.

Treatment plan with the physiotherapist

The structure of a treatment plan with a physiotherapist is roughly as follows.

Intake
At the first visit, an intake and examination will take place. Questions are asked to find out what the exact complaint is, how it arose, what problems it causes, and so on.

Examination
Then a physical examination will take place in which the physiotherapist looks at how you move and what the limitations are. This is done on the basis of different tests. The physiotherapist will then discuss with the patient what is going on and what can be done.

Treatment
Together with the physiotherapist, the patient will work to reduce or resolve the symptoms. This can be, for example, through mobilisation techniques to make the joints move better, exercise therapy to strengthen weak links in the body, massage therapy or posture and movement advice. During the treatment plan, progress will be monitored and the treatment adjusted where necessary.

Treatment can take place individually or sometimes in groups. Nowadays, increasing attention is paid to preventive care, i.e. to prevent symptoms from arising. Here too there is a role for the physiotherapist.

Where does a general physiotherapist work?

The physiotherapist can be found in different settings. They often work in a private practice, hospital, rehabilitation centre or care home. But more and more physiotherapists are also attached to sports clubs.

Specialisations in physiotherapy