Personal injury claims: The role of a Physiotherapist
After suffering a personal injury, your road to recovery may include rehabilitative care to help you gain strength and improve mobility and flexibility. Physical therapy provided by Physiotherapists and Biokineticists focuses on exercises that ultimately help to alleviate pain, correct postural and movement difficulties as well as equipment or aids to improve every day physical functioning.
Physiotherapists will be able to work in conjunction with your medical team so that any treatment you receive complements each other. For a list of other experts that may be involved in your case, see our article on Medical Negligence – Medico Legal Experts
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy or Physiotherapy, is a branch of rehabilitative healthcare that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. Physiotherapy is appropriate for many types of patients, from infants born with birth defects, brain injuries and musculoskeletal difficulties to adults suffering from after effects of bodily injury or surgery.
A Physiotherapist, also commonly referred to as a Physio, treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through exercises that optimise muscular movement and strength. Exercises are not Occupational therapists also focus much of their work on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities.
In a personal injury matter, in conjunction with other healthcare specialists, a Physiotherapist can give recommendations to the court on therapy, equipment and adaptations needed in the client’s best interest.
Qualifications and training needed
Physiotherapy is a regulated health professional and requires a specific university training which complies with national and international standards of training. Physiotherapists aren’t doctors but are qualified healthcare practitioners.
In South Africa the degree (B.PhysT, B.Sc Physio or B.Physio) consists of four years of general practice training, involving all aspects of Physiotherapy. In the fourth year, students are also expected to complete Physiotherapy research projects, which fulfills the requirements of an Honours degree. A compulsory year of community service is completed by the student after graduation. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA or the Council) is the statutory body regulating Physiotherapists. The South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) is the official representative professional body of physiotherapists in South Africa.
Where can I get therapy?
Physiotherapy is usually done at a Physiotherapist’s rooms, since the facilities are set up for patients to do exercises correctly and comfortably. Physiotherapists make use of special equipment such as exercise balls, benches, machines, weights and mats which all have a specific benefits depending on the patient’s needs.
Your physiotherapist will teach you how to continue with exercises at home and in your daily life to optimise your recovery and functioning.
Examples of Physiotherapy intervention
Physiotherapists usually recommend movement and exercise to help improve your mobility and function. This may include:
- Exercises designed to improve movement and strength in a specific part of the body – these usually need to be repeated regularly for a set length of time.
- Activities that involve moving your whole body, such as walking or swimming – these can help if you’re recovering from an operation or injury that affects your mobility.
- Exercises carried out in warm, shallow water (hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy) – the water can help relax and support the muscles and joints, while providing resistance to help you gradually get stronger.
- Advice and exercises to help you increase or maintain your physical activity – advice will be given on the importance of keeping active, and how to do this in a safe, effective way.
- Manual therapy, where a physiotherapist uses massage, acupuncture and microneedling to manipulate, mobilise and massage muscles and body tissues.
- Providing mobility aids – such as crutches or a walking stick to help you move around.
If you would like more information on the medical negligence claims process, feel free to contact our offices at 012 809 1588 or paul@pauldup.co.za