Bahamas Association

       Physiotherapy (also referred to as Physical Therapy in some countries) is a medical profession that uses physical methods rather than drugs or surgery to treat disorders and dysfunctions of the muscles, nerves, and other connective tissues of the body. Physiotherapists are referred to as the ‘movement experts’ of healthcare and provide services that promote, maintain and restore people’s movement and functional ability. Patients can benefit from physiotherapy at any stage in their lives. Physiotherapy helps with a wide variety of injuries, illnesses, or disabilities including but not limited to:

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• Chronic pain – e.g. Arthritis, Back & Neck pain, lymphedema, fibromyalgia, headaches, carpal 

• Sports or overuse injuries – e.g. sprains, pulled muscles, fractures, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome

• Surgical Recovery –e.g. joint replacement, tendon or ligament repair, rotator cuff repair, CABG

• Neurologic disorders – e.g. stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease

• Women's & Men's Health Issues – e.g. Incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy related pain, dyspareunia, erectile dysfuncion

• Developmental disorders – e.g. cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome

• Cardiopulmonary disorders – e.g. Chronic heart disease, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis

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      Physiotherapists practice in a wide range of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehab facilities, people’s homes, schools, sports arenas, workplaces, and nursing homes. 

What to expect:

 

      When you go in to see your Physiotherapist for the first time you should expect them to conduct an examination of your neuromuscular function and movement system. Following this, they will discuss your diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care to help you reach your functional goals. This plan of care will often be multi-faceted, involving various methods and tools to aid in your rehabilitation process. These can include prescribed exercise, myofascial and joint mobilization, patient education, and various physical modalities (e.g. heat & cold therapy, electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, Dry Needling, light & laser therapy, compression).

 

      Physiotherapists can have a tremendous effect on people’s lives, helping patients achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

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     The Physiotherapy profession falls under the Health Professions Council of The Bahamas.