What is physiotherapy, and how does it work?

Physiotherapy is a science-based approach that restores movement and function through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques. By addressing the root causes of pain and mobility issues, physiotherapy promotes long-term recovery, injury prevention, and overall physical well-being.

What conditions can physiotherapy help with?

Physiotherapy supports musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular health, treating conditions such as back pain, joint injuries, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and sports injuries. It also improves balance, posture, and movement efficiency.

How long does it take to see results from physiotherapy?

The time frame varies based on the condition, severity, and consistency of treatment. Acute injuries may show improvement within a few sessions, while chronic conditions or post-surgical rehabilitation may require a longer treatment plan.

Can physiotherapy help with chronic pain?

Yes, physiotherapy reduces pain, restores mobility, and strengthens muscles through manual therapy, targeted exercises, and pain management techniques. It helps individuals manage chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain for long-term relief.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?

In most cases, a referral is not required, and you can directly consult a physiotherapist. However, some insurance providers or specialized treatments may require a referral from a doctor.

Physiotherapy

“Experience physiotherapy—personalized care and gentle techniques to improve movement, reduce pain, and enhance well-being.”

Whether you're dealing with sports injuries, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic conditions, physiotherapy offers a natural and effective approach to rehabilitation. By addressing both symptoms and underlying causes, physiotherapy empowers you to achieve optimal health and functionality, helping you lead a more active, pain-free life.

Find your practitioners

Franklin Christopher

Post-operative rehab & orthopedic care | Trauma recovery & hand therapy | Adult physiotherapy specia

Physiotherapy

DHA License

26 years of experience

English, Hindi, Tamiland 2 more

Aster Medical Centre, Karama (UMC)

Teenagers, Men, Women

Ruth Bavighar

Pediatric physiotherapy & early intervention | Neurodevelopmental care

Physiotherapy

DHA License

6 years of experience

English, Hindi, Marathiand 2 more

Aster DYU Child Development Centre

Children, Teenagers, Infants

Drisya Avunnath

Orthopaedic, neuro & women’s health | Sports & post-surgical rehab | Child, adult & prenatal care

Physiotherapy

DHA License

9 years of experience

English, Tamil, Hindiand 1 more

Aster Clinic- Al Nahda Sharjah

Children, Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women, Infants

Angel Maria

Orthopedic & musculoskeletal rehab | Pain management & electrotherapy | Pre/post-natal & trauma care

Physiotherapy

DHA License

7 years of experience

English, Hindi, Malayalamand 1 more

Aster Clinic Emirates Towers Sheikh Zayed Road

Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women

Soumya Prajuwal

Physiotherapist | Manual Therapy

Physiotherapy

DHA License

8 years of experience

English, Hindi, Tamiland 1 more

Aster Hospital | Al Qusais

Physiotherapist

21 years of experience

Arabic, English

Dr. Kayle Aesthetic Clinic

Children, Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women

Farah Haddad

Physiotherapy

DHA License

19 years of experience

English, French, Arabic

Physiowell

Children, Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women, Infants

Imran Khan

Sports Rehabilitation | Performance Optimization | Metabolic Health & Longevity

Physiotherapy

DHA License

English, Urdu, Gujaratiand 2 more

Limitless7 Health Clinic

Children, Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women, Infants

Haya Ahammed

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) | Dry Needling | Taping

Physiotherapy

DHA License

5.5 years of experience

English, Malayalam, Tamil

Lana Life Care, In-person: At Home or Office

Children, Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women, Infants

Priya Karthikeyan

Cardiorespiratory & cardiac rehab | Sports & post-surgical physiotherapy | Pain management

Physiotherapy

DHA License

15 years of experience

English, Hindi, Marathiand 1 more

Aster Hospital | Mankhool

Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women

Sojan Mathew

Orthopedic & musculoskeletal physiotherapy | Injury recovery & functional rehab | Adult care special

Physiotherapy

DHA License

16 years of experience

English, Hindi, Malayalam

Aster | Al Quoz

Teenagers, Men, Seniors, Women

“Research reports that 90% of patients with chronic back pain experience significant relief within 6 weeks of physiotherapy”.

National Library of Medicine

Conditions Physiotherapy Can Help With

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving physical function in individuals with injuries, chronic conditions, or mobility issues. By addressing musculoskeletal, neurological, and postural concerns, it enhances recovery and prevents future complications. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques, physiotherapy supports long-term mobility and well-being. Here are some of the conditions physiotherapy can help with:

Sports and activity-related injuries

Strains, sprains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries from sports or physical activity, affecting movement and performance.

Chronic pain and limited mobility

Persistent pain or restricted movement caused by musculoskeletal imbalances, inflammation, or previous injuries.

Back and neck pain

Pain from poor posture, injury, or spinal misalignment, leading to stiffness, tension, and reduced mobility.

Joint pain and stiffness

Discomfort in the knees, hips, shoulders, or other joints, often worsening after activity, in the morning, or following inactivity.

Conditions Physiotherapy Can Help With

Sports and activity-related injuries

Strains, sprains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries from sports or physical activity, affecting movement and performance.

Chronic pain and limited mobility

Persistent pain or restricted movement caused by musculoskeletal imbalances, inflammation, or previous injuries.

Back and neck pain

Pain from poor posture, injury, or spinal misalignment, leading to stiffness, tension, and reduced mobility.

Joint pain and stiffness

Discomfort in the knees, hips, shoulders, or other joints, often worsening after activity, in the morning, or following inactivity.

Muscle weakness and imbalances

Loss of strength or muscle imbalances affecting posture, stability, and daily activities, increasing the risk of injury.

Post-surgical recovery issues

Pain, swelling, or mobility issues following surgery, requiring rehabilitation to regain function and prevent complications.

Pediatric movement and coordination disorders

Developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and other childhood conditions affecting motor skills, coordination, and strength.

Women’s health concerns

Pelvic pain, prenatal and postnatal care, diastasis recti, and postpartum recovery affecting movement and function.

Sciatica and nerve pain

Sharp, radiating pain down the leg caused by spinal compression, herniated discs, or nerve irritation

Tingling and numbness

Nerve compression or irritation leading to persistent tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, legs, or hands.

Headaches and Migraines

Tension headaches or migraines linked to cervical spine issues, poor posture, or muscular tension in the neck and shoulders.

Balance and coordination issues

Dizziness, instability, or difficulty walking, increasing the risk of falls, often linked to vestibular disorders or muscle weakness.

Chronic pain conditions

Fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other long-term pain conditions affecting mobility, flexibility, and daily function.

Neurological disorders

Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or nerve damage affecting movement, coordination, and independence.

Respiratory conditions

Chronic bronchitis, asthma, or other lung conditions causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and reduced lung capacity.

Cardiovascular recovery issues

Weakness, fatigue, and reduced endurance following a heart attack, heart surgery, or cardiovascular disease, affecting daily activities and overall function.

Key benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy promotes natural recovery by focusing on the root causes of pain and mobility issues, restoring strength and function. It helps reduce pain, improve strength, and restore movement, enabling individuals to regain independence and perform daily activities with greater ease. Physiotherapy enhances flexibility, supports injury recovery, and lowers the risk of future physical strain. By promoting better posture, balance, and body mechanics, it contributes to long-term physical resilience and an improved quality of life.

How Physiotherapy works

Physiotherapy uses a personalized, evidence-based approach that begins with assessing movement, strength, and overall physical function. It applies targeted techniques like manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and posture correction to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent injuries. By addressing movement limitations and muscular imbalances, physiotherapy supports the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt—promoting long-term recovery, injury prevention, and lasting physical well-being.

Physiotherapy treatments and techniques

Physiotherapy focuses on diagnosing and treating physical impairments and disabilities while promoting mobility, function, and quality of life. This comprehensive therapy involves hands-on treatment, exercise, education, and lifestyle advice. Physiotherapists use techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to restore movement, alleviate pain, and promote overall wellness without the need for medication or surgery. Below are key techniques used in physiotherapy:

Manual Therapy

A hands-on technique that includes joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance movement.

Therapeutic Exercises

A structured exercise program tailored to individual needs to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and restore function after injuries or surgery.

Neuromuscular Re-education

Exercises and techniques that retrain nerve and muscle coordination to improve movement patterns, restore functional control, and support injury recovery.

What happens during a typical session with the Physiotherapy

Assessment

The physiotherapist begins by assessing your medical history, symptoms, and specific issues you're experiencing. This helps them understand your condition and tailor the treatment to your needs.

Examination & diagnosis

The physiotherapist conducts a thorough examination to assess your posture, movement, and functional limitations. They may also check for pain points, muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Hands-on treatment

Using hands-on techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise, heat, ice, or electrical stimulation, the physiotherapist aims to alleviate your pain, improve your mobility, and restore your body's function.

Advice & recommendations

The physiotherapist provides personalized advice on posture, exercise, and lifestyle changes to help manage your condition and prevent future issues. They may also suggest self-care techniques to support your recovery.

Follow-up

Follow-up sessions are scheduled to continue the treatment and track your improvements. The frequency and duration of these sessions depend on your condition and response to the therapy.

What to Expect After a Physiotherapy Session

After a physiotherapy session, you can expect to feel relief and improved function. Many patients report reduced pain and increased strength, with a better ability to engage in daily activities. Regular sessions can help maintain these benefits and support your path to optimal health. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life today.

Role of Physiotherapy practitioners

Physiotherapists specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating movement disorders to restore function, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical well-being. They create personalized treatment plans that incorporate targeted exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques to address the root causes of mobility issues and prevent future injuries. By combining scientific knowledge with hands-on expertise, physiotherapists help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve movement efficiency. Through exercise therapy, postural correction, and lifestyle adjustments, they empower patients to regain strength, maintain independence, and achieve long-term physical health.

Frequently asked questions

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