Physiotherapy can help by:

• Promoting good general health habits in relation to any movement or fitness problem.
• Identifying the problem area and treating it directly, as well as looking at the whole person. This is done by assessing the range of movement of the affected joints and muscles and assessing the strength of the affected muscles. Joints, muscles and nerves that are closely linked to the area may also be assessed. The way a person moves and holds themselves may make up the assessment.
• Identifying the causes and predisposing factors – Physiotherapists are not only interested in the problem, but factors which contribute to the problem. Treatment can address the underlying problem and reduce the risk that the same thing will happen again.
• Providing rehabilitation following occupational or sporting injuries.
• Providing rehabilitation and exercise before and after surgery.
• Providing advice on exercise programs, lifestyle habits and health promotion.
• Taking an integrated musculoskeletal or neuromuscular approach to the management of a problem.
• Screening athletes / dancers for coaches, squads or tertiary schools.

Treatment techniques physiotherapists' use:

• Joint mobilisation and manipulation
• Soft Tissue release work (massage, frictions, effleurage, kneading etc).
• Exercise prescription including flexibility (stretches), strength training, proprioception and balance training.
• Re-education of poor movement patterns, habits and biomechanics.
• Hot and cold therapies.
• Electrotherapy – Ultra sound and interferential.
• Taping, bandaging, splinting.
• Breathing techniques.
• Advice about injuries prevention, harm minimization, self treatment and appropriate exercise.

Physiotherapy services include:

• Injury treatment and advice about injury prevention
• Acute care of a wide range of injury problems
• Rehabilitation following injury or surgery
• Maintenance of functional mobility
• Maintenance of the best achievable health in people with chronic illnesses
• Patient and carer information
• Occupational Health
• Athlete / dance screening
• Health promotion