Physiotherapy 101: What is Physio and When Do You Need It?

Curious whether physiotherapy could help you move, feel and perform better? Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a sports injury, an active parent managing recurring pain, or someone just tired of feeling restricted, physiotherapy is a proven path to recovery and long-term healthy movement.

In this guide, we’ll answer your most common questions about physiotherapy.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, function and overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in injury recovery, chronic pain management, mobility improvement and post-surgical rehabilitation.

This science-based practice that combines an in-depth understanding of how the body moves and functions with evidence-based clinical skills. Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions using hands-on techniques, exercises, education and advice.

The main goals of physiotherapy are to:

• Alleviate pain
• Restore movement and function
• Prevent disability or surgery
• Promote health and fitness

Physiotherapists work with people of all ages, from infants to older people, and often collaborate with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals.

While physiotherapy and physical therapy are the most commonly used terms other related terms include:

• Rehabilitation therapy (often broader, but physiotherapy is a key component)
• Manual therapy (a technique within physiotherapy)
• Kinesiotherapy (a lesser-used term in some regions, emphasizing therapeutic movement)
• Movement therapy (a general term sometimes applied to physiotherapy)

When Should I See a Physiotherapist?

You should see a physiotherapist for major injuries, of course. But many clients seek care when something just feels off or when recurring aches begin to affect their lifestyle. Here are the top 10 reasons to book a physiotherapy assessment.

1. When You’re Experiencing Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Pain lasting more than a few days—even if it’s mild—is a good reason to get assessed.
This includes back pain, neck stiffness, joint discomfort, headaches, or “niggles” that keep coming back.
Early intervention means faster recovery and fewer complications.

2. After an Injury

Whether your injury results from a recreational activity, a work-related incident (WSIB), a motor vehicle accident (MVA), or the stresses of daily life, physiotherapy can help you return to the activities that matter most to you. Don’t wait until you’re “healed”—start rehab early to heal properly.

3. When You Feel Off—But Can’t Pinpoint Why

You’re not injured, but your shoulder “feels weird,” your run feels uneven, or you just don’t trust your body the way you used to. That’s your body asking for a second opinion—and physiotherapists are trained to catch subtle issues before they turn into big ones.

4. When Pain Keeps Coming Back

Repetitive strain? Flare-ups? Always pulling the same muscle?
Those are signs of an underlying problem—like weakness, mobility restrictions, or faulty movement patterns—that needs to be addressed.

5. To Improve Performance or Move Better

Physiotherapists aren’t just for pain—we’re also movement coaches.

Whether you’re an athlete, gym-goer, or weekend warrior, we help you lift better, run smoother, jump safer and recover faster.

6. If You’re Losing Mobility, Balance or Strength

Early physio—especially important for older adults, post-surgery clients, or anyone managing chronic conditions—can delay or prevent decline and boost independence.

7. During Pregnancy or Postpartum

For pelvic floor concerns, back pain and core weakness—or even just learning how to move safely and comfortably—physiotherapists who specialize in pelvic health can be a game changer.

8. If You Sit a Lot or Work a Desk Job

Neck, back, wrist and shoulder issues are incredibly common but are preventable with posture coaching, ergonomic advice and strengthening exercises.

9. After a Neurological Event

Stroke, concussion, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, or nerve injuries all benefit from early physiotherapy to optimize function and promote brain-body recovery.

10. As Part of a Long-term Health and Mobility Plan

Think of your physiotherapist the same way you think of your dentist: you wouldn’t wait for a root canal to make an appointment. A few movement checkups a year can keep you moving well and catch small problems before they grow.

Early intervention means faster recovery and fewer long-term complications. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, book an assessment with a physiotherapist in Hamilton today.

What Does Physiotherapy Treat?

Physiotherapy addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Here are some of the most common conditions that physiotherapists treat.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

These involve injuries or disorders of the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues such as:

• Back and neck pain (e.g., herniated discs, muscle strain)
• Joint pain (e.g., shoulder impingement, knee osteoarthritis)
• Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, ligament tears, tennis elbow)
• Fractures and post-cast stiffness
• Postural problems and ergonomic-related pain (e.g., from desk jobs)

Neurological Conditions

Physiotherapists help restore function and mobility for individuals affected by nervous system conditions such as:

• Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident or CVA (regaining movement and coordination)
• Parkinson’s disease (maintaining balance, posture and mobility)
• MS (managing fatigue, spasticity and coordination)
• Spinal cord injuries (improving strength, flexibility and independence)
• Peripheral nerve injuries

Cardiopulmonary Conditions

Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy supports patients with heart and lung issues such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD
• Asthma
• Post-heart attack rehabilitation
• Post-surgical recovery after procedures like bypass surgery or lung resections
• Cystic fibrosis (to clear airway secretions and improve breathing)

Pediatric Conditions

Physiotherapy can benefit children with developmental delays or congenital conditions including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Developmental coordination disorder
• Torticollis and flat head syndrome

Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Physiotherapists treat women’s health issues including:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic pain
• Pregnancy-related back pain
• Postpartum recovery

Post-surgical Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is often essential after surgeries such as:

• Joint replacements (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder)
• Ligament reconstructions (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament or ACL repair)
• Spinal surgeries
• Abdominal surgeries (improving core strength and mobility0

Which Physiotherapy Specialty is Right for Me?

Depending on your needs, physiotherapists can focus on specific areas of care. Common specialties include:

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

Focuses on treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system—the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles (e.g., fractures, sprains, post-surgical rehabilitation).

Neurological Physiotherapy

Helps people with nervous system disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, or spinal cord injuries.

Cardiorespiratory (Cardiopulmonary) Physiotherapy

Supports people with heart and lung conditions (e.g., COPD, heart surgery recovery, asthma, COVID-19 recovery).

Pediatric Physiotherapy

Treats infants, children and adolescents with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, or injuries.

Sports Physiotherapy

Specializes in injury prevention, recovery and performance enhancement for athletes and active individuals.

Pelvic Health/Women’s Health Physiotherapy

Treats pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pre/postnatal concerns and pain related to the pelvic area.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Physiotherapy

Treats dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders related to the inner ear and vestibular system.

Hand Physiotherapy

Treats conditions affecting the hand, wrist and forearm to restore fine motor skills, grip strength and hand function (e.g., fractures, tendon injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, post-surgical rehabilitation).

Foot Pain Physiotherapy

Focuses on the biomechanics and function of the foot and ankle and assesses how foot issues impact the whole body. Commonly treated conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, flat feet and post-injury stiffness or instability.

Knee Pain Physiotherapy

Treats acute and chronic knee conditions (e.g., ACL tears, meniscus injuries, patellofemoral pain and arthritis) to improve knee stability, strength and functional movement—especially after injury or surgery.

Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy

Focuses on restoring range of motion, strength and shoulder mechanics after surgery or injury (e.g., rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, impingement, dislocations).

Back Pain Physiotherapy

Combines hands-on therapy, education and exercise to improve spinal mobility, core stability and long-term back health (e.g., lower back pain, disc injuries, sciatica and chronic spinal conditions).

Geriatric Physiotherapy

Focuses on helping older adults stay mobile, independent and pain-free with gentle but effective movement strategies (for age-related changes, balance issues, fall prevention, arthritis, osteoporosis, general deconditioning).

ICU Physiotherapy (Critical Care Physiotherapy)

Assists critically ill patients in intensive care units with breathing, mobility and muscle preservation (e.g., through ventilator weaning, early mobilization and preventing long-term complications from prolonged bed rest).

The best physiotherapist for you isn’t necessarily the one down the street or with the biggest clinic. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or just wanting to move better, finding someone who understands not just your diagnosis but your lifestyle, priorities and wellness goals makes all the difference.

What Techniques are Used in Physiotherapy?

Depending on your assessment, a variety of physiotherapy techniques may be used. A good treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment to identify root causes and create a recovery plan that fits your goals and helps you reach them faster. Physiotherapy may include any of the following techniques.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise is the foundation of many physiotherapy treatment plans. It includes:

• Strengthening exercises to restore muscle power
• Stretching and flexibility exercises to reduce stiffness
• Balance and coordination exercises, especially for older people or neurologically impaired individuals
• Functional training such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting

Manual Therapy

This hands-on approach involves:

• Joint mobilization and manipulation to improve joint movement
• Soft tissue mobilization to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation
• Myofascial release to address fascia restrictions and muscle pain
• Trigger point therapy to target specific knots in muscles

Electrotherapy and Modalities

These techniques use electrical or mechanical devices to reduce pain and support healing:

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for pain relief
• Ultrasound therapy to promote tissue repair using sound waves
• Interferential current (IFC) for deeper pain relief
• Laser therapy to promote cellular healing
• Hot and cold therapy for inflammation or muscle tightness

Dry Needling and Acupuncture

Some physiotherapists insert fine needles into muscle trigger points to relieve tension. And in some countries, medical acupuncture is also used to target trigger points.

Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy)

This involves performing exercises in a warm-water pool, ideal for:

• Reducing joint stress
• Improving circulation
• Supporting body weight during movement

Breathing and Airway Clearance Techniques

Especially in respiratory and cardiac rehab:

• Pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing
• Percussion and postural drainage—used to clear mucus from lungs
• Incentive spirometry—to promote deep breathing after surgery

Education and Ergonomic Advice

Physiotherapists prevent reinjury by educating patients on:

• Proper posture and body mechanics
• Workstation setup and ergonomic modifications
• Safe lifting and movement techniques
• Lifestyle changes

Assistive Devices and Taping

These techniques to support or stabilize injured joints and muscles include:

• Kinesiology taping to support joints and muscles
• Splints, braces and orthotics to protect and align joints
• Crutches, walkers and canes, as needed, to aid mobility

Clearly, many physiotherapy techniques are available. Which is right for you? It is essential to remember that an effective treatment plan starts with a thorough assessment. This assessment helps pinpoint the root causes of your condition, enabling the creation of a personalized recovery plan and a set of techniques tailored to your specific goals. Ultimately, this customized approach facilitates a quicker path to recovery.

What Associations Regulate and Advocate for Physiotherapy in Ontario?

The three main associations that regulate and advocate for Ontario physiotherapists are:

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPA)

CPA is one of 26 health regulatory colleges in the Ontario established by the government to protect patients and make sure regulated healthcare providers are qualified to provide high-quality care.

Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA)

OPA is a resource to Ontario physiotherapists, providing resources, education, ideas and advocacy.

Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)

CPA is a resource to Canadian rehabilitation professionals, providing resources, education, ideas and advocacy.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Better Movement?

Physiotherapy isn’t just about recovery. It’s also about rediscovering confidence in how your body moves. Whether you’re overcoming an injury, preventing future pain, or striving to perform at your best, working with a qualified physiotherapist can help you feel stronger, more balanced and ready to live fully again.

Movement is medicine. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility, consulting a licensed physiotherapist may be your best first step toward movement, recovery and long-term health.

Ready to move better? Contact Pursue Physio in Hamilton to book your personalized assessment today. I look forward to helping you start your journey back to pain-free movement.