Depending on your particular situation you either go to a physiotherapy practice or in a health care center (e.g. hospital, rehabilitation centre, care or nursing home). In some cases, the physical therapist can come to your home.
At the first appointment, the physical therapist (aka physiotherapist) assesses your symptoms in order to formulate a diagnosis (as complete as possible) by first examining you and asking questions. Based on this, the physiotherapist can prepare a personal treatment plan together with you. This plan is custom made ais custom work. Many physical therapists do work defined guidelines as a basis, but in the end every person is different. Every health complaint is different and everybody responds differently.
Exercise therapy is often an important part of the treatment. The intention is to increase the capability of the movement of joints and strengthen the muscles. Exercise therapy also focuses on posture improvement: i.e. learning a better muscle balance and to learn or relax a better breathing technique. As part of the treatment you do exercises yourself at home. These are tailored to your situation and abilities. The main objective is to make you aware of the best way to move and to get confidence in your body.
The physical therapist also provides preventive advice and information and will guide you to learn to exercise sufficiently and in a responsible manner. You will become more aware of what is good and what can cause problems. This approach will help to prevent a recurrence or worsening of your complaints and provides the most benefits in the long term. The goal is always the greatest possible independence. It is important that you help yourself reduce your symptoms by doing exercises.
