September 9, 2022Yesterday was World Physiotherapy Day, an opportunity to recognise the work physiotherapists do for their patients, and showcase the significant role the profession makes to the health and wellbeing of the community.
This year’s focus for World Physiotherapy Day is osteoarthritis, and the role physiotherapists play in the prevention and management of people affected by osteoarthritis.
Samuel Curtis, Home Based Physiotherapist at Bundoora Centre, said physiotherapists help patients get the most out of life, whether recovering from injury or hospitalisation, reducing pain and stiffness, increasing mobility or preventing further injury.
“Physiotherapists work in all sectors of healthcare, including public hospitals, private practice, rehabilitation centres, sporting clubs and community health centres,” he said.
“We listen to individual health needs, and tailor treatment specific to your body, condition, lifestyle and life stage.”
Samuel says osteoarthritis is the most common joint injury, and is a leading cause of disability. Exercise is a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, and physiotherapists can provide education about pain relief, and ways to manage osteoarthritis.
“We can teach people living with osteoarthritis how to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles. A physiotherapist will also be able to guide you on how to keep active,” he said.
“It is important for people living with osteoarthritis to keep as active as possible. This can help improve pain, reduce other symptoms of osteoarthritis, and help people stay independent.”
Northern Health has over 100 physiotherapists working within the continuum of care from inpatient, ambulatory and community settings.
“These therapists will often be working within sub-specialties in the area of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, paediatrics, pain continence, women’s health, aquatic, and emergency physiotherapy,” Samuel said.
“Experienced postgraduate-trained physiotherapists provide primary contact clinics and services in the Emergency Department and as part of the outpatient orthopaedic and neurosurgery clinics.”
For more information on physiotherapy services at Northern Health, click here.
