Physiotherapy is also considered a physical therapy that uses various exercises and massage techniques to encourage the body to heal itself. It is also used to help patients rehabilitate so that they can relearn muscle movement, or to overcome the aches and pains associated with healing injuries after an accident. In many cases, exercise, manipulation and massage of the body all fall within the realm of physiotherapy, and are tools that Montreal physiotherapists use to help patients recover more quickly after an accident, illness or onset of disease. People suffering from a variety of bone and muscle conditions need the help of physiotherapists in Montreal.

Physiotherapists in Montreal are forensic doctors who can help patients obtain relief from pain caused by muscle ligaments or soft-tissue injuries caused by displaced bones. A career as a physiotherapist can be both satisfying and lucrative, but before you choose to become a physiotherapist, physiobalance presents all the relevant information on this specialty field.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a branch of medical science that treats various ailments using different physical means such as electrical equipment, exercise, muscle stimulators, machines producing different types of rays such as infrared rays, UV rays and others. Today, many people are helped by Montreal physiotherapists to adopt a healthy, pain-free lifestyle. A physiotherapist helps improve movement dysfunctions and enhances the proper functioning of the human body.

Who needs the help of a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is an important part of the rehabilitation team, working to minimize any type of disability in patients. They help people with degenerative conditions such as neurological disorders, arthritis and many athletes. In this therapy, they use massage, thermal radiation, traction, short-wave diathermy and hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy is becoming popular among patients for factors such as effective results in less time, lower cost than other therapies, no invasive effects and fewer side effects if any.

Vocational training to become a physiotherapist

A physiotherapist diagnoses and treats people who suffer from discomfort in their movements due to illness, injury or age. One of the important tasks of these professionals is to identify the method that would suit the person seeking help.

To become a physiotherapist, a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy is usually undertaken full-time over a four-year period. Many universities offer this course, but a student will need to complete high school with a minimum grade in English and two other subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and physical education. For those wishing to pursue advanced studies in the field, a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is also available. During the bachelor's program, students study major subjects such as anatomy, physiology, medicine, orthopedics, pharmacology, neurology, pathology, biomechanics, psychology, exercise therapy and electrotherapy. Physiotherapy training is delivered through a combination of classroom study, practical courses, hands-on learning in a clinical environment (e.g. hospitals and private clinics) and laboratory work. Since physiotherapy is a lifelong education, professionals must continue to learn and update their skills through programs such as seminars, workshops and conferences. In most countries, before a person can practice as a physiotherapist, he or she must be admitted to and then maintain registration with a national or state board.

Different specializations

  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Musculoskeletal physiotherapy (orthopedics)
  • Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy
  • Neurological physiotherapy
  • Geriatric physiotherapy
  • Pediatric physiotherapy

In addition to the specialty areas mentioned above, others are also available such as pediatrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation and manual therapy. You can choose to specialize in any of these areas as you pursue your master's degree in physical therapy.

Choosing to become a physiotherapist is a step in the direction of a great and rewarding career.