Q&A With Physiotherapist, Mitch
In this Q&A blog post, we turn to Mitch, a dedicated Physiotherapist from Central Coast, NSW, who will answer some crucial questions about the role of physiotherapy in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Discover what physiotherapy aims to achieve and why it matters in enhancing physical and cognitive outcomes.
What is physiotherapy?
Every child and every condition is different and there are many things to consider. So what is the role of physiotherapy in all of this? Physiotherapy as a profession can assess, identify and measure physical impairments being experienced by an individual with a disability. This may include physical disability, delayed milestones or even general fitness. Following this, Physio aims to address these impairments with exercise-based therapy.
What does physiotherapy aim to do?
Physiotherapy won’t aim to fix the disability itself, rather address the associated impairments. Developmental delay or physical disability can be a major barrier for people with a disability to access things like sport or even participate in general play. Physiotherapy aims to improve base level physical development to a point where individuals can participate in sports, exercise and play. These base elements of physical development can include balance, coordination, strength, range of motion, low tone, muscle contracture (tightness) and motor skills.
So what’s the point of all this?
Play, both structured and unstructured is a very important process for learning and development. Being left out or excluded from these types of activities can have a flow on effect to long term physical and cognitive outcomes. The hope is that improving baseline fitness and physical function will allow participants to go forth and access group exercise, sport and mainstream activities. This will then further enhance the
benefits of other therapy to the individual living with a disability.
Want to find out more about our Allied Health services? See what we currently offer in at our gym spaces in Kilburn SA or Tuggerah NSW.
