Here’s what you need to know about physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is a health profession that provides services to help individuals and populations develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout their lifespan and across the continuum of care.

Sarah Wojkowski, a physiotherapist and assistant dean of physiotherapy in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, says the heart of the physiotherapy profession is understanding how and why movement and function take place.

Physiotherapists learn about multiple body systems – including the nerves, heart, lungs, bones and muscles – so they can analyze how an injury, disease, disorder or lifestyle habits impact movement and function.

Individuals may encounter physiotherapists working across various settings, such as primary care offices, hospitals, private clinics, children’s treatment centres, long-term care facilities, sports teams, schools and within the community, among others.

Wojkowski says physiotherapists are exploring how to harness technology to improve individuals’ health and function and researchers are searching for innovative approaches to support individuals as they age, manage their pain, live with chronic conditions, engage in early mobilization in the hospital and ensure health justice is an essential part of our profession. Generally, health justice is a term that reflects several concepts (i.e., voice, intersectionality, affordability, sustainability, etc.) that are important to consider in the context of physiotherapy education and practice.

“We are so fortunate at McMaster to have world-class researchers focusing on each of these areas!,” says Wojkowski. “It truly is an exciting time to be a part of the physiotherapy profession.”