{"id":2418,"date":"2023-05-18T12:00:33","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T12:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/?p=2418"},"modified":"2026-04-24T20:20:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T20:20:53","slug":"treatment-given-in-physiotherapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/treatment-given-in-physiotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"What treatment is given in physiotherapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;ve been referred to physiotherapy \u2014 or you&#8217;re considering it \u2014 you might be wondering what actually happens during treatment.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/what-is-physical-therapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Physiotherapy<\/a> is a healthcare profession focused on movement, function, and physical wellbeing. It uses a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise, and specialist techniques to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains every treatment used in physiotherapy \u2014 in plain, simple language.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/10-gentle-workouts-to-help-lower-back-pain-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>10 Gentle Workouts to Help Lower Back Pain at Home<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What Happens Before Treatment Starts?<\/h2>\n<p>Every course of physiotherapy begins with a thorough assessment. Your physiotherapist needs to understand your condition fully before deciding which treatments to use.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Best Physiotherapy Brampton - #newhopephysiotherapyinc . #shorts #ytshorts #canada #physiotherapy\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k8v3Lb7Nl-g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Assessment Process:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\"><strong>Step<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"451\"><strong>What Happens<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\">Patient evaluation<\/td>\n<td width=\"451\">Physical examination covering strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, and posture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\">Medical history review<\/td>\n<td width=\"451\">Understanding past injuries, surgeries, medications, and health conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\">Diagnosis<\/td>\n<td width=\"451\">Identifying the root cause of your pain or limitation \u2014 not just where it hurts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\">Goal setting<\/td>\n<td width=\"451\">You and your physiotherapist agree on realistic, measurable targets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"173\">Treatment planning<\/td>\n<td width=\"451\">A personalised programme is created \u2014 tailored to your specific condition and goals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>Your treatment plan is reviewed regularly throughout the process. If something isn&#8217;t working, it gets adjusted. Physiotherapy is not a fixed, one-size-fits-all programme.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>\nThe Main Treatments Used in Physiotherapy<\/h3>\n<p>Physiotherapists have a wide range of treatment tools available. The right combination depends on your condition, your goals, and how your body responds.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Exercise Therapy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Exercise is the foundation of almost every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">physiotherapy treatment plan<\/a>. It&#8217;s not just general exercise \u2014 it&#8217;s targeted, prescribed movement designed to achieve specific outcomes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/5-quick-home-remedies-for-leg-cramp-relief-and-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>5 Quick Home Remedies for Leg Cramp Relief and Prevention<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\"><strong>Exercise Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"411\"><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\">Strengthening exercises<\/td>\n<td width=\"411\">Rebuild muscle around injured or painful areas to provide better support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\">Stretching and flexibility<\/td>\n<td width=\"411\">Restore range of motion and reduce muscle tightness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\">Balance and coordination<\/td>\n<td width=\"411\">Improve stability and reduce fall risk \u2014 especially after neurological or lower limb injuries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\">Cardiovascular exercise<\/td>\n<td width=\"411\">Improve overall fitness, energy, and endurance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"213\">Functional exercises<\/td>\n<td width=\"411\">Practise real-life movements \u2014 walking, lifting, climbing stairs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Manual Therapy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Manual therapy is hands-on treatment applied directly to your body. It&#8217;s one of the most powerful tools physiotherapists have for reducing pain and restoring movement.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Massage \u2014 releases tight muscles, reduces tension, and improves circulation<\/li>\n<li>Joint mobilisation \u2014 gentle, controlled movements to restore smooth joint motion<\/li>\n<li>Manipulation \u2014 quick, precise movements to a joint that improve alignment and reduce pain<\/li>\n<li>Soft tissue mobilisation \u2014 works on the connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints<\/li>\n<li>Myofascial release \u2014 targets deep connective tissue tightness that restricts movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Electrical Modalities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These use electrical currents to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle function. They&#8217;re often used alongside manual therapy and exercise \u2014 not as standalone treatments.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><strong>Modality<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"253\"><strong>What It Does<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"211\"><strong>Used For<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">TENS<\/td>\n<td width=\"253\">Blocks pain signals to the brain and triggers endorphin release<\/td>\n<td width=\"211\">Chronic and acute pain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">EMS (electrical muscle stimulation)<\/td>\n<td width=\"253\">Stimulates muscle contractions to rebuild strength<\/td>\n<td width=\"211\">Muscle weakness after injury or surgery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">IFC (interferential current)<\/td>\n<td width=\"253\">Deeper electrical stimulation for pain relief and tissue healing<\/td>\n<td width=\"211\">Deep joint pain, swelling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Ultrasound therapy<\/td>\n<td width=\"253\">Sound waves reduce deep tissue inflammation and promote healing<\/td>\n<td width=\"211\">Soft tissue injuries, tendinopathy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Thermal Modalities (Heat and Cold)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Simple but effective \u2014 heat and cold therapy have a clear place in physiotherapy.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"167\"><strong>Therapy<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"213\"><strong>When Used<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"244\"><strong>Effect<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"167\">Heat therapy<\/td>\n<td width=\"213\">Chronic stiffness, muscle tension, before exercise<\/td>\n<td width=\"244\">Relaxes muscles, improves blood flow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"167\">Cold therapy<\/td>\n<td width=\"213\">Acute swelling, post-exercise soreness, flare-ups<\/td>\n<td width=\"244\">Reduces inflammation, numbs pain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"167\">Diathermy<\/td>\n<td width=\"213\">Deep tissue heating using high-frequency current<\/td>\n<td width=\"244\">Reduces deep joint stiffness and pain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Hydrotherapy means exercising in water. The buoyancy of water reduces the load on joints \u2014 making movement possible when it would be too painful or risky on land.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ideal for people with arthritis, fractures, or significant joint pain<\/li>\n<li>Allows strength and mobility work with minimal impact on healing tissue<\/li>\n<li>Warm water relaxes muscles and provides natural pain relief<\/li>\n<li>Particularly effective for lower limb injuries and neurological conditions<\/li>\n<li>Can also include contrast baths \u2014 alternating hot and cold water to reduce pain and inflammation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><strong> Respiratory Physiotherapy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This specialised area focuses on improving breathing and lung function.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breathing exercises to improve lung capacity and efficiency<\/li>\n<li>Airway clearance techniques \u2014 helping people with conditions like cystic fibrosis clear mucus<\/li>\n<li>Postural drainage \u2014 specific positions that help drain fluid from different lung segments<\/li>\n<li>Exercise programmes to improve stamina and reduce breathlessness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Respiratory physiotherapy is used for conditions including COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and post-COVID breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><strong> Acupuncture and Dry Needling<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to reduce pain and release muscle tension.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Acupuncture \u2014 based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, used for pain management and relaxation<\/li>\n<li>Dry needling \u2014 more clinically focused, targeting specific muscle trigger points to release tightness<\/li>\n<li>Both are used alongside other physiotherapy techniques \u2014 not as standalone treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><strong> Kinesiology Taping<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Specialised elastic tape applied to the skin to support joints and muscles without restricting movement.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduces swelling and bruising after injury<\/li>\n<li>Supports weakened or injured muscles during activity<\/li>\n<li>Improves body awareness \u2014 helping you maintain better posture or movement patterns<\/li>\n<li>Used for sports injuries, postural correction, and post-surgical support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><strong> Biofeedback<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Biofeedback uses sensors to give you real-time information about what your muscles are doing. You can see on a screen whether you&#8217;re activating the right muscles correctly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Particularly useful in pelvic floor physiotherapy \u2014 helping patients learn to engage and relax the correct muscles<\/li>\n<li>Used in neurological rehabilitation \u2014 retraining movement after stroke or brain injury<\/li>\n<li>Improves body awareness and helps correct inefficient movement patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Conditions Treated with Physiotherapy<\/h3>\n<p>Physiotherapy treats a remarkably wide range of conditions. Here&#8217;s an overview.<\/p>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\"><strong>Category<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"464\"><strong>Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Musculoskeletal<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/5-common-types-of-back-pain-you-should-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Back pain<\/a>, neck pain, arthritis, fractures, sports injuries, sprains and strains, post-surgical rehab<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Neurological<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Stroke, Parkinson&#8217;s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, concussion, cerebral palsy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Cardiovascular<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Cardiac rehabilitation, heart disease recovery, hypertension management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Respiratory<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, post-COVID breathing problems, pneumonia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Women&#8217;s health<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, pre\/postnatal care<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Paediatric<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Developmental delays, cerebral palsy, sports injuries in young people<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"160\">Geriatric<\/td>\n<td width=\"464\">Osteoporosis, arthritis, falls prevention, age-related mobility decline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The Benefits of Physiotherapy<\/h3>\n<table width=\"624\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\"><strong>Benefit<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"424\"><strong>What It Means for You<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Pain relief<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Reduced pain through targeted treatment \u2014 less reliance on medication<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Better mobility and flexibility<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Move more freely and perform daily activities with greater ease<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Stronger muscles<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Improved physical function and reduced risk of re-injury<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Better posture<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Less strain on joints and muscles throughout the day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Better balance<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Lower risk of falls and improved confidence in movement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Improved breathing<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">Better lung function and less breathlessness for respiratory conditions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"200\">Better quality of life<\/td>\n<td width=\"424\">More independence, less pain, and greater ability to do what you enjoy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>5 Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy Treatments<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In most cases, no. You can book directly without a GP referral. However, some insurance plans require one for coverage \u2014 check with your provider first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/top-10-benefits-of-chiropractic-adjustments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Top 10 Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> Will physiotherapy hurt?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Some techniques may cause mild discomfort, particularly manual therapy on tight areas. Your physiotherapist always works within your tolerance and adjusts if something feels too uncomfortable. Post-session soreness is normal and usually settles within 24 to 48 hours.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> How many sessions will I need?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It depends on your condition. Minor injuries may need 4 to 8 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions may need 12 or more. Your physiotherapist will give you an estimate after the initial assessment and review regularly.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> Can physiotherapy replace surgery?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For many conditions, yes. Physiotherapy can resolve issues that might otherwise require surgery \u2014 particularly for back pain, tendon conditions, and osteoarthritis. Even when surgery is needed, physiotherapy before and after significantly improves outcomes.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> Is physiotherapy covered by insurance in Canada?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Most private health and workplace benefit plans cover physiotherapy. Motor vehicle accident benefits and WSIB also cover it in relevant circumstances. Check your plan for annual limits and co-pay details. Many clinics offer direct billing.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/7-core-principles-of-physiotherapy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Physiotherapy<\/a> offers far more than most people realise. From hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercise to specialist techniques like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and biofeedback \u2014 it&#8217;s a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to physical health.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re in pain, recovering from an injury, or simply not moving as well as you&#8217;d like \u2014 physiotherapy is one of the most effective and safest options available.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book an assessment<\/a> with a qualified physiotherapist and find out exactly what treatment your body needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/ways-of-massage-helping-in-stress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Ways of Massage Therapy Helping in Stress<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The primary goal of physiotherapy is to improve the patient&#8217;s physical function and quality of life, through a range of therapeutic interventions. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans, tailored to their specific needs and goals. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in healthcare, helping to prevent and treat a wide range of injuries, illnesses, and conditions. It is used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[170,236,1414,487,1469,224,153,11,3,112,738],"class_list":["post-2418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-physiotherapy","tag-advanced-physiotherapy-in-brampton","tag-advantages-of-physiotherapy","tag-arthritis-physiotherapy","tag-benefit-of-physiotherapy","tag-benefits-of-neurological-physiotherapy","tag-benefits-of-physiotherapy","tag-best-physiotherapy-brampton","tag-best-physiotherapy-service-provider-in-brampton","tag-brampton-physiotherapy","tag-brampton-physiotherapy-specialist","tag-doctor-of-physiotherapy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2418"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7537,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2418\/revisions\/7537"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newhopephysio.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}