French Nanny London is delighted to partner with Excellence Physiotherapy – in this article we are discussing all the benefits physiotherapy can have for the whole family.
It is common to associate physiotherapy with sports injuries, joint issues, or rehabilitation after surgery, but the extent of the field of physiotherapy is much broader.
Indeed, modern physiotherapy encompasses more than musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Over time, three other sectors have developed: women’s health physiotherapy dedicated to pregnancy, pediatric physiotherapy dedicated to babies and children, and neurological physiotherapy.
In this article, we will explain these different fields of physiotherapy and the conditions they can treat according to the needs of your family.
Let’s start with the more obvious, Musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a treatment technique that involves using specific massage, manipulation, and exercise techniques to preserve or restore a patient’s motor and sensory functions. It acts on different areas and concerns not only bones and muscles but also joints or the nervous system.
In recent years, physiotherapy has continued to evolve. It is now sought after in even broader fields. Practitioners no longer limit themselves to manual therapies but also utilize more advanced technology such as shockwave therapy or Tecar therapy.
Physiotherapy encompasses the treatment of various types of conditions. Indeed, it is divided into subcategories such as sports physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, or pre and post-operative rehabilitation.
A musculoskeletal physiotherapist is trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
– Sports injuries, addressing issues like sprains, strains, and fractures
– Joint pain and stiffness, whether it’s in the knees, hips, shoulders, or elsewhere
– Musculoskeletal injuries such as muscle tears or ligament strains
– Back pain, whether it’s related to the spine, muscles, or nerves
– Neck pain, which can stem from various causes like poor posture or injury
– Arthritis, providing techniques to manage pain and improve joint mobility
– Post-surgical rehabilitation, helping patients recover strength and function after surgery
– Neurological conditions like stroke or facial paralysis, focusing on improving movement and function
– Spinal cord injuries, addressing mobility and muscle strength impairments
In addition, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist can assist with muscle pain or tears, posture conditions such as scoliosis, and a variety of other musculoskeletal issues.
The second main field of physiotherapy is women’s health physiotherapy.
Women’s health physiotherapy is a field of physiotherapy dedicated to the health and wellness of new mothers. While the most famous treatment is pelvic floor rehabilitation, it involves a wide range of treatments allowing pregnant women to find solutions for any physical conditions that could arise during their pregnancy or after giving birth.
20 years ago, Women’s health physio in London was virtually non-existent and quite taboo at the time, but seeing a postnatal physiotherapist has been mandatory for every French woman for the past 30 years to ensure that pregnancy hasn’t caused damage to her body and that she doesn’t have to deal with postnatal conditions such as incontinence or diastasis recti. We are now pleased to see that it has also become routine for English women to undergo postnatal or pregnancy physiotherapy.
A women’s health physiotherapist is trained to treat the following pregnancy and postnatal condition such as:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (including pelvic floor weakness or pelvic floor hypertonicity)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain (such as pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain)
- Preparation for childbirth (perineal massage, breathing techniques)
- Postpartum rehabilitation and recovery
- Pre and post-surgical rehabilitation for gynecological surgeries (such as hysterectomy or pelvic floor repair)
- Postnatal assessment
Finally, the last type of physiotherapy that could be valuable for your family is pediatric physiotherapy.
Pediatric physiotherapy is a specialised branch dedicated to the health and development of infants, children, and adolescents. Beyond addressing musculoskeletal issues and motor delays, it encompasses a wide range of treatments from babies to older children. From feet deformation, baby torticollis, baby reflux, developmental delays to neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, pediatric physiotherapists play a crucial role in enhancing physical function and overall well-being.
To become a pediatric physiotherapist, the physiotherapist needs to undergo post-diploma training in order to deliver the most efficient treatment to their delicate patients while maintaining a gentle and playful approach.
The main conditions treated by a paediatric physiotherapist are:
– Torticollis (a condition where a baby can only turn their neck in one direction)
– Feet deformities (when a baby’s foot turns inward or outward)
– Developmental delays (delayed motor milestones)
– Cerebral palsy
– Musculoskeletal conditions (orthopaedic conditions, fractures)
– Neuromuscular disorders (muscular dystrophy, hypotonia)
– Sports injuries in children and adolescents
– Children’s posture and scoliosis
– Post-surgical rehabilitation following orthopaedic or neurological surgeries
– Respiratory conditions affecting physical function (bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis)
In conclusion, physiotherapy provides specialised care for various family needs, extending beyond musculoskeletal issues to include women’s health and peadiatric physiotherapy. These fields address pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and childhood development, ensuring optimal outcomes with gentle, tailored treatments. Physiotherapy serves as a vital component in promoting family wellness.
With physiotherapy, you can rest assured that, whatever life brings, dedicated professionals are here to support the health of your family.
Be aware that physiotherapist in London are covered by most health insurances, which can help you reduce your costs. For example, physiotherapy is covered by Bupa or Axa. They usually treat you at the clinic but they also offer home visit physiotherapy
If you would like more information on physiotherapy, or if you wish to book an appointment with some of the best physiotherapists in London, visit www.excellencephysiotherapy.com or give them a call on 02071250262. With their international team of physiotherapists and osteopaths, they will be able to assist you with whatever your needs may be.