Tell us what you're looking for and we'll reach out to the top clinics all at once
Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a non-invasive type of treatment that helps individuals restore, maintain, and develop body movement and physical function. It is usually suggested to people who have had an illness, injury, or disability that makes it hard for them to do daily tasks. The main goal of physical therapy is to ease pain and help patients function, move, and live better. Medical professionals who provide physical therapy are called physical therapists, or physiotherapists. They are trained and licensed to diagnose physical abnormalities, maintain physical function, restore physical function and mobility, and promote proper function and physical activity.
Physical therapists are qualified to treat a wide range of medical conditions, depending on their specialty. Some of the most common physical therapy specialties are:
Physical therapy can be different for everyone, depending on the patient’s illness or injury and personal goal. Physical therapy treatment may involve:
Most of the time, you may be allowed to leave Cape Town right after your physical therapy session. However, since a physical therapy program usually requires more than one session, you should stay until all of your sessions are finished. Most people will need six to twelve sessions, between six and eight weeks.
It is generally recommended that you rest after a physical therapy session. Physical therapy helps you recover from an illness or an injury and there is usually no extra recovery time after you finish your physical therapy program.
After a physical therapy session, you must drink plenty of water and take note of unusual pain. If your physical therapist gives you an exercise program to do at home, make sure to do it as directed. Your physical therapist will likely give you instructions to make recovery time quicker and avoid any further damage.
Like many other medical treatments, physical therapy continues to advance. With the broad knowledge and experience of physical therapists, they can use evidence-based approaches to help you improve mobility, balance, and strength, as well as reduce scar tissue formation, relieve pain and swelling, improve flexibility, and reduce the development of any secondary issue. Physical therapy is safe, but there are some risks you will need to be aware of. It can cause discomfort, pain, and in some very rare cases, do more harm than good.
Alternatives to physical therapy depend on your specific condition. For some diseases and injury, you may have no other choice than seeing a physical therapist. In many cases, you may be able to see massage therapists, acupuncturists, or chiropractors to relieve pain.
This information has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, however, we strongly recommend you to consult with your doctor before pursuing medical procedures overseas.