What Is Physiotherapy and Why It Matters
Physiotherapy is a hands-on, evidence-based healthcare practice that focuses on restoring and maintaining physical function, movement, and overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in helping patients recover from injury, manage chronic health conditions, improve strength and mobility, and enhance quality of life at any age. Whether it’s getting back on your feet after surgery or managing the effects of a neurological disorder, physiotherapy offers customized care rooted in science.
There are many specialties within this field, but physiotherapy is most often categorized into three core types: musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. Each type serves a unique purpose and addresses specific sets of challenges and conditions.
This guide explores each of these physiotherapy types in depth, highlighting their benefits, techniques, and the types of patients they help.
1. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Also Called Orthopaedic Physiotherapy)
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy deals specifically with conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s the most common form of physiotherapy, particularly beneficial for those recovering from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions that limit physical movement.
What It Treats
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is ideal for individuals suffering from:
- Lower back or neck pain
- Postural problems due to sedentary work
- Joint injuries from sports or physical activity
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Post-operative rehabilitation (e.g., hip or knee replacements)
- Tendonitis, sprains, and ligament tears
What to Expect in Treatment
This form of physiotherapy in British Columbia typically begins with a full biomechanical assessment to identify areas of restriction or weakness. From there, the physiotherapist develops a custom treatment plan, which may include:
- Manual therapy such as mobilization and soft tissue massage
- Rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility
- Joint stabilization training to improve functional movement
- Postural correction programs to reduce strain and discomfort
- Electrotherapy modalities to stimulate muscle function and reduce pain
- Dry needling or myofascial release techniques
Patients may receive a mix of hands-on treatments and guided exercises to perform both in the clinic and at home.
Benefits of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Improved range of motion and muscle flexibility
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Stronger, more coordinated movements
- Prevention of further injury or recurrence
- Quicker recovery following orthopedic surgery
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is especially helpful for athletes, office workers with postural issues, and seniors with degenerative joint conditions.
2. Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy targets the central and peripheral nervous systems, aiming to restore movement and function lost due to neurological damage. It focuses on helping patients improve their independence in everyday activities despite significant challenges related to brain or spinal cord function.
What It Treats
This type of physiotherapy is designed for people diagnosed with:
- Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Peripheral neuropathies and nerve damage
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
What to Expect in Treatment
A neurological physiotherapist uses specialized assessments to evaluate a patient’s movement patterns, balance, reflexes, coordination, and muscle tone. Based on the diagnosis and level of impairment, treatment may include:
- Neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) for improving motor control
- Balance and posture retraining to reduce falls and increase safety
- Functional mobility training, such as relearning how to sit, stand, walk, and transition between movements
- Gait training with or without assistive devices
- Strengthening exercises tailored to improve muscle recruitment
- Sensory stimulation therapies to improve awareness of affected limbs
Therapists also work closely with caregivers and families to develop home-based strategies that reinforce progress made in clinic.
Benefits of Neurological Physiotherapy
- Improved mobility and control over daily activities
- Reduced muscle stiffness and abnormal reflexes
- Enhanced brain-muscle communication
- Better coordination and spatial awareness
- Restoration of independence in dressing, bathing, and movement
Neurological physiotherapy is often long-term but can significantly improve quality of life when started early after diagnosis or injury.
3. Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy (Also Known as Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy)
Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy focuses on treating patients with heart and lung conditions, aiming to improve their respiratory efficiency, physical stamina, and overall cardiovascular health. It’s essential for those recovering from surgery, long-term illness, or chronic disease that impairs lung and heart function.
What It Treats
Patients who benefit most from cardiopulmonary physiotherapy include those with:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma and bronchitis
- Pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis
- Post-heart attack or open-heart surgery
- Post-COVID-19 recovery
- Congestive heart failure
- Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
- Poor exercise tolerance after illness or immobilization
What to Expect in Treatment
Therapists begin by evaluating lung function, endurance levels, and breathing mechanics. Treatment may consist of:
- Breathing retraining, including diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing
- Airway clearance techniques, such as percussion and postural drainage
- Cardiovascular conditioning, using stationary bikes, treadmills, or walking routines
- Oxygen therapy management and energy conservation education
- Endurance training and progressive aerobic exercises
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs involving exercise, education, and behavior change
The aim is not only to improve lung capacity and heart function but also to empower patients to resume daily activities with confidence.
Benefits of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
- Enhanced breathing efficiency and lung expansion
- Increased exercise capacity and stamina
- Improved circulation and cardiac output
- Reduced shortness of breath and fatigue
- Better ability to manage chronic respiratory or heart disease
- Decreased hospital visits or readmissions
This type of physiotherapy is especially valuable for seniors, post-surgical patients, and those living with long-term conditions that impact respiration.
Comparison Chart: Types of Physiotherapy
| Type of Physiotherapy | Area of Focus | Common Conditions | Primary Goals |
| Musculoskeletal | Bones, joints, muscles | Arthritis, sprains, fractures, post-op | Reduce pain, restore movement, strengthen |
| Neurological | Brain, spinal cord, nerves | Stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, brain injury | Improve coordination, regain function |
| Cardiopulmonary | Heart and lungs | COPD, heart surgery, post-COVID | Boost lung function, improve endurance |
How Physiotherapists Decide What You Need
Physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A skilled physiotherapist will conduct a full initial assessment and determine the type or combination of treatments needed based on:
- Current symptoms and functional limitations
- Underlying medical history
- Short- and long-term mobility goals
- Pain levels, endurance, and muscle strength
- Cognitive and sensory capacity
It’s common for a physiotherapy plan to overlap between types. For instance, someone recovering from a stroke may need neurological therapy for motor skills and musculoskeletal therapy to manage joint stiffness.
Let’s Make It Happen
At Movewell Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic, we’re committed to helping you regain your strength, independence, and quality of life, no matter what challenges you’re facing. Whether you need musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurological support, or cardiopulmonary recovery, our skilled team creates personalized treatment programs to match your unique goals and condition.
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, our clinic offers compassionate care supported by years of experience and a deep understanding of how the body heals. We invite you to reach out to us anytime at info@movewellclinic.ca, we’re ready to guide you toward a stronger, healthier you.
Physiotherapy is a powerful tool for healing and physical transformation. By understanding the three main types, musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, you can make informed decisions about your care or advocate for a loved one’s recovery.
From helping athletes bounce back after injury to improving life for individuals with chronic illness or neurological conditions, physiotherapy empowers people to take control of their health and movement.
If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, a qualified physiotherapist can assess your needs and tailor a plan that supports your body’s ability to recover, strengthen, and thrive.
