Physiotherapy: what are the specialties of a physiotherapist and in which cases to consult him? : Current Woman Le MAG

What is the profession of physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist is above all a movement professional. His roles? Restore flexibility to the joints, protect and increase the range of motion, maintain and amplify muscle strength, relieve pain of mechanical origin (joint or muscle), preserve walking …

" The physiotherapist also has a role in therapeutic education: he teaches stretching and exercises to his patients, intended to maintain the "machine-body" and to promote movement "adds Julia Lemété, masseur-physiotherapist.

Who can consult a physiotherapist? Everybody ! The physiotherapist is intended for the elderly (for walking support, in particular), children and babies (after a difficult delivery, for example), pregnant women (to relieve pain and prepare for childbirth ), athletes (high level or not) …

Is a physiotherapist a doctor?

No, the physiotherapist is not a doctor. To become a physiotherapist (or "masseur-physiotherapist", it is the same thing), it is however necessary to validate a First common year in health studies (PACES) then 4 years of physiotherapy school.

To know. There is a National Council of the Order of masseurs-physiotherapists: this professional body defends and regulates the profession of masseur-physiotherapists in France.

How to find a physiotherapist?

Several professional directories are available to find a physiotherapist near you: among these, we recommend the directory of Health Insurance and the directory of the Order of masseurs-physiotherapists.

How to choose your physiotherapist? " First choose someone with whom you have a good feeling: a masseur-physiotherapist may be extremely competent, if you do not trust him or if you are reluctant to meet him, the results will never be as good as expected . "

To know. Any doctor (generalist or specialist: rheumatologist, ENT specialist, surgeon, etc.) can prescribe physiotherapy sessions. " Sessions on medical prescription are reimbursed up to 60% by Health Insurance, without excess fees "adds Julia Lemais.

Physiotherapy: how does a session take place?

The first physiotherapy session is devoted to the assessment: " the professional will first go around the patient's medical history using precise questioning, then will come the time of observation – standing, sitting and lying, usually in underwear to observe the posture of the patient – and exercises: flexions, rotations, lifting the arms, squatting … "explains Julia Lemais.

After the statement of the diagnosis and then the implementation of a treatment plan, the sessions can begin: " it is mainly mobilization (we will come and restore the movement on a joint …) carried out by the physiotherapist, and exercises to do with the patient – he leaves home with "homework", that is to say exercises to do at home! "says the physiotherapist.

Is it painful? " Some mobilizations and some exercises can be uncomfortable, but the physiotherapist always tries to remain in mourning for the pain. "

In which cases should you go to the physiotherapist?

True Swiss Army Knife, " the physiotherapist is indicated as soon as there is pain of mechanical origin, a gene for movement, or an operative suite! "says Julia Lemais. More specifically, the physiotherapist is for people who suffer from:

  • Chronic back pain: low back pain, neck pain …,
  • Sprains: knee, ankle …,
  • Traumatic deliveries: re-education of the mother and / or care of the child,
  • After an operation: appendicitis, mastectomy … to help with healing,
  • During pregnancy: preparation for childbirth, pain management …,
  • Neurological pathologies: paraplegia, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis …
  • Geriatrics: maintain gait, preserve joint range and fine movements,
  • Pediatric pathologies: birth torticollis, for example.

What are the different specialties in physiotherapy?

If all masseurs-physiotherapists have a common role (that is to say, to restore and preserve movement, muscle strength and joint range from 0 to 99 years), it should be noted that some physiotherapists have specialties .

" There are thus physiotherapists / masseurs-physiotherapists specializing in post-cancer support (not only breast cancer), specialists in geriatrics, specialists in post-surgery, specialists in pediatrics, specialists in neurology … "details Julia Lemais.

According to figures from the National Union of Liberal Professions (UNAPL), there were (in 2012) 72,870 masseur-physiotherapists in mainland France: among them, 79% are self-employed and 49% are women.

Thanks to Julia Lem Was, masseur-physiotherapist and author of Express self-massages (ed. Leduc.S).

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