Annually about 2.5 million people, young and old, go to a physical therapist. Because they expierience complaints of their body in a certain movement which can cause pain and other problems. The reasen the come to a phisiotherapist may be sports injuries, complaints gained during work, complaints due to an accident or illness, a "wrong" movement or simply because the body ages. Your physical therapist will advise, treat and support you so that you can continue your daily life as best as possible. Going shopping, sporting, back to work etc. You will learn how to move responsibly and how to prevent or limit further problems.

Often when you have a physical complaint you first go to the doctor, who can refer you to a physiotherapist. Nowadays it is also possible to contact a physiotherapist for an appointment yourself. The GP / specialist and physiotherapist regularly send each other patient information (if a patient is reffered by a GP / specialist) and have discussions about possible complications. Once treatment is completed, the therapist reports back to the referrer and provides guidance for any further treatment.

Depending on your situation, you'll visit a physiotherapist in a private practice or in a care institution (hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home). In some cases, the physiotherapist visits you at home. A treatment takes about half hour at a time. At the first appointment the physiotherapist gets a complete picture of your symptoms, by examening you and asking questions. On this basis, the physical therapist makes a treatment plan. This is custom work. Physical therapists often work with established guidelines as a basis, but ultimately treats each person differently. Every complaint is different and every body reacts differently.

An important part of treatment is often exercise. This is intended to influence the movement capabilities of the joints and increase musclepower. Also for a better posture, to achieve a better balance, and sometimes for a better breathing technique and relaxation. As part of the treatment you do part of the exercises at home. The exercises are tailored to your situation and possibilities. The most important thing is that you are aware of what's the best way of moving for you and to gain confidence in your body.

To support the exercise, the physical therapist can also use massage and physiotherapy techniques an provide preventative advice and information. Through targeted coaching you'll learn to move enough and responsible. Thus, you realize what is good and what causes problems. This is to prevent a repeat or worsening of your symptoms. This helps you the best in the long term. The goal is that you can do as much as possible independently. It is important that you cooperate in reducing your symptoms. It is also important to explain how you feel and ask questions if something is unclear. Good communication between you and your physiotherapist will help your recovery.