Fizioterapi

Fizioterapi, or physiotherapy, is a health care profession focused on assessing and treating physical impairments and disabilities to restore function and improve quality of life. Practitioners work with individuals across ages and conditions to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support independence in daily activities.

They develop individualized treatment plans based on thorough evaluation, with goals such as restoring movement, increasing strength and endurance, improving balance, and preventing complications or relapses. The approach is client-centered and typically combines physical techniques with education and strategies for self-management.

Interventions commonly include exercise therapy, manual techniques (such as joint mobilization and soft tissue work), education on posture and movement, and the use of physical modalities. These modalities may involve electrotherapy, heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy. Functional training, gait retraining, and advice on assistive devices or adaptive equipment are also common components.

Fizioterapi is applied for a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders (low back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sports injuries), neurological conditions (stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis), and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (postoperative recovery, COPD, post-illness deconditioning). It is also used in pediatric and geriatric care and in preventive and wellness programs.

Practice settings vary from hospitals and outpatient clinics to private practices and home care. Mental and physical safety, informed consent, and documentation are essential. Practitioners are typically required to hold professional degrees and licensure, with ongoing education to maintain competencies and align with evidence-based standards.