Physiotherapy is a therapeutic practice that combines a range of manual techniques, modalities, and exercise to effectively address pain, injuries, and dysfunctions in the human body.
Clinicians who are trained physiotherapy professionals are awarded the protected title of ‘Physiotherapist’. Unlike Sports Therapists, trained Physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose patients and in some cases are covered to treat specific patients under private medical insurances that sports therapists and rehabilitators can’t.
At professional clinics like, True Physio, the team of physiotherapists are registered members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), where they adhere to its highest standards and guidelines to deliver exceptional care to our patients.
Training and development for Physiotherapists doesn’t end when they qualify, as part of their profession and membership on the HCPC they are required to carry out ‘Continuing Professional Development’ (CPD). This means regular recorded learnings that will improve their clinic and treatment standards for their patients.
True Physio has also recently been reaccredited under the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS), underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence in occupational health and physiotherapy care.
How Can Trained Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy can be highly effective in improving your strength and mobility through a combination of exercises, stretches, and various therapeutic treatments. It is beneficial in managing a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, and both cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
During the initial stages of rehabilitation, physiotherapists often focus on alleviating pain and reducing swelling. They may use techniques such as heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage to manage inflammation, enhance blood circulation to the affected area, and promote healing.
As your rehabilitation progresses, the emphasis shifts towards restoring functional abilities and helping you return to your normal levels of activity, whether pre-injury or pre-surgery. This phase may include gait training, balance exercises, and functional activities designed to rebuild strength and coordination.
Physiotherapy treatments offer a holistic approach, tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a safe and structured recovery process.
How Trained Physiotherapy Helped Steve
Physiotherapy treatments helped Steve, a passionate athlete, regain his active lifestyle after a severe back injury. His challenges started in 1994 when he suffered a severe back injury while running for a military vehicle in the Falklands. He was diagnosed with desiccation of the L4/5 and L5/S1 discs, as well as annular tears at both levels. After being medically discharged, his future was uncertain.
This took a turn for the worse after Steve completed the New York marathon in 1997. Back pain and sciatica became daily hurdles that forced him to stop exercising altogether. For many years, he avoided sports and sought advice from spinal consultants, but relief remained elusive.
He picked up cycling, but that brought its own challenges such as persistent knee issues. He had undergone L4/5 and L5/S1 disc replacement surgery in 2012, but that did not bring him complete relief from his problems. Steve continued to face intermittent back issues, sciatic nerve irritation, and tightness around his hips due to the intensity of his training.
The Treatment Plan
A comprehensive treatment plan was designed to help Steve manage his pain and maintain his active lifestyle. This included regular soft tissue work every two weeks, back and joint mobilisation, and a tailored flexibility and mobility exercise program to target the tightness and stiffness from his intensive training.
After further rehabilitation work with his physiotherapist Steve’s hard work paid off and he was able to regain his active lifestyle. Since 2022, he has completed multiple Marathons. Although heel pain threatened to derail his progress while training for the Boston Marathon in 2024, Steve’s resilience saw him through to complete the Roth Ironman in Germany that summer, a remarkable achievement.
This is a great example of how trained physiotherapy can assist and accelerate patient recovery and even help you to achieve new goals after an injury or major surgery. With expert care and a tailored treatment plan, physiotherapists can help you move closer to your goals and achieve significant progress.
How To Get Started With Physio For A Pain-Free Life
Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation, bringing you long-term relief and improvement. It strengthens your body so that it can manage physical activities better.
We’re True Physio, your trusted local physiotherapy clinic. We have 9 clinics around the UK, decades of experience and 100s of great patient success stories. Our physiotherapists are accredited and qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat complex injuries, and we are committed to understanding your pain and helping you achieve your goals. Book an appointment today so we can help you get back on track.