Knowing the difference between physiotherapy and rehabilitation can be difficult. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably despite having different meanings entirely. Both are important tools in recovery, but the difference between rehabilitation and physiotherapy comes down to their usage. To understand a little more, we first must know what treatment involves.
For the physiotherapy Brisbane trusts, choose Refine Health Group. Get individualised care today by calling our Bowen Hills Clinic on 07 3216 1330, our Fortitude Valley clinic on 07 3188 1466, emailing admin@refineheathgroup.com.au, or filling out our contact form.
Difference Between Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Knowing what each treatment is will make it easier to understand the difference between rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people improve their movement, mobility, and quality of life. Physiotherapy specialises in assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical injuries. Physiotherapists work with clients of all ages to prevent and manage a variety of health conditions and injuries.
They use various techniques such as exercise and manual therapy to treat patients. The goal of physiotherapy is to enhance the mobility, strength, and overall function of the musculoskeletal system. A common example of when physio is used is after a sporting injury or post-surgery to restore function.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a broader concept that encompasses the entire process of restoring a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being after an illness, injury, or surgery. Rehabilitation usually involves a multidisciplinary approach, integrating a wide range of therapies. Among these therapies are physiotherapy, as well as occupational therapy and speech therapy.
The objective of rehabilitation extends beyond improving physical function and assists in skills necessary to live all parts of life. To better understand the difference between physiotherapy and rehabilitation, we will explore their scopes, approaches, and who is involved.
Difference Between Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Where Is the Line?
Scope of Practice
Physiotherapy primarily addresses physical impairments and functions through specific therapeutic exercise and treatments.
On the flip side, rehabilitation covers a wider range of services and is aimed at not only the physical aspects of recovery but also the psychological and social aspects.
The Approach
Physiotherapy offers a very targeted treatment that focuses on particular physical injuries. This could be joint mobility or muscular strength.
Rehabilitation as a whole is much less focused. It uses an all-encompassing strategy that coordinates various therapies that address many factors of recovery. Trying to narrow down the entire rehab process would be nearly impossible.
The Practitioners
In physiotherapy, the only practitioners involved are the physiotherapists themselves. These physiotherapists are licenced and specialise in the physical health of the musculoskeletal system.
Rehabilitation involves a multidisciplinary team to be successful. Having established the focus of rehab, we know that the team will involve physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other health professionals depending on the patient’s needs.
Brisbane’s Trusted Physiotherapists
Now that we have defined the difference between rehabilitation and physiotherapy as a matter of scope, approach, and practitioners, where do we come in?
At Refine Health Group we are a physio clinic that specialises in all aspects of physiotherapy, including rehab physio. Whether you are suffering from a sporting injury or need physio as part of your post op recovery, we are here to help. Book an appointment today by contacting us at our Bowen Hills Clinic on 07 3216 1330, our Fortitude Valley clinic on 07 3188 1466, emailing admin@refineheathgroup.com.au, or filling out our contact form.
