Physiotherapy is a form of external treatment remedies through which the human body’s ability to move and functional capacity is to be restored, improved or maintained. Treatments are carried out by physiotherapists and osteopaths.
Physiotherapy is geared towards treatment of complaints and the functional, movement and/or activity restrictions of the patient, which are determined in the physiotherapeutic examination. It utilizes not only the diagnostic and clinical-reasoning-based expertise of the therapist, but also his or her pedagogical and manual skill. Physiotherapy may be supplemented by natural physical stimuli (e.g. heat, cold, pressure, radiation and electricity) and promotes the patient's self-activity (coordinated muscle activity and conscious awareness). Treatment is adapted to each patient’s anatomical, physiological, motivational and cognitive conditions. In this way, treatment is aimed on the one hand at the natural and physiological reactions of the organism (e.g. motor learning, muscle building and metabolic stimulation), and on the other hand at an improved understanding of the functioning of the organism (dysfunctions/resources) and the independent handling of one's own body. The goal is restoration, maintenance or promotion of health, and very often also being free of pain or at the least a reduction of pain.
