What is physiotherapy

Aches and pains are a normal part of life, especially as you get older. Physiotherapy can often help. Primarily a physical treatment involving movement and manipulation of joints , physiotherapy is recognised as one the best treatment options for musculoskeletal issues. And our health insurance can offer you easy access to it.  

Physiotherapy is an evidence-based profession that takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, which means they focus on the body and the person as a whole. Patients are directly involved in their own care and treatment, which can be a combination of advice and education, personalised movement and recovery plans, and manual therapy.  

The aim of physiotherapy is to help recovery, promote healthy life habits, and empower people to take part in their own treatment, helping people with a range of injuries and conditions, and with rehabilitation after surgery.  And it’s got a wide range of benefits: 

• It can treat a wide range of joint issues, injuries, and strains, including musculoskeletal conditions
• It takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, focusing on the individual patient as a whole
• Physiotherapists work with their patients to create a tailored recovery plan that works best for the individual
• Patients can keep their independence, stay in work, and help prevent any injuries or issues in the future 
• The physiotherapist will follow their patient’s recovery, supporting them and adapting their plan based on how the patient is progressing

Physiotherapy can support treatment for a range of injuries and general issues that may limit your body movement, including musculoskeletal conditions. These include:^{Footnote [1]}

• back pain
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• stiffness 
• sports injuries 
• foot pain
• post-natal rehabilitation.

From sprained ankles to stiff shoulders, physiotherapists are expert clinicians who have seen it all before and use their vast experience on a daily basis.  

Your first appointment will start with an initial consultation. 

Your physiotherapist will carry out a comprehensive assessment, discussing everything from your symptoms, medical history, general wellbeing and lifestyle to what your treatment expectations and goals are. They’ll also run some physical tests to work out the best course of treatment. 

After they’ve completed the initial assessment, your physio therapist will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan. This can include a combination of: ^{Footnote [1]}

• Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to mobilise joints and soft tissues
• Exercise prescription – tailored progressive exercises   to improve strength, flexibility, and function
• Education and advice – guidance on posture, movement, and how to manage your condition day-to-day
• Massage – targeted massage to relieve tension in problem areas

After your first appointment, every session you have with your physio therapist will probably be slightly different from the last, depending on any progress you make between appointments. 

Each follow-up session will typically start with a quick review of your progress and any changes in symptoms. Your physiotherapist  may then adjust your treatment plan based on how you’re responding. For example, they might introduce more advanced exercises or reduce the frequency of session if you’ve improved. If progress is slower, they may reassess and try a different approach. 

You’ll likely be given a home exercise programme with stretches and exercises to do between appointments to support recovery and improve your symptoms. These are a key part of your treatment and reinforce the work you’ve done during your appointments. 

Physiotherapy might be included in your health insurance cover. There are a few routes you can take to see a physiotherapist, depending on what your policy includes. These could be:

• A referral from your GP or our Aviva digital GP service.
• A referral from a specialist for specific treatment after diagnosis.

Some policies also include a certain amount of treatment with an osteopath or chiropractor, if the specialist thinks that would be a more suitable treatment.

When you see a physiotherapist, they’ll assess you and work with you to develop a treatment plan to fit your personal recovery goals. Reaching those goals may require some hard work and patience, but your physio will be there to support you along the way.