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Types of Physiotherapy: A Complete Guide to Healing Through Movement
Physiotherapy, also called physical therapy, is more than just recovery from injuries — it is about restoring function, relieving pain, and empowering people to move better at every stage of life. At Bounce Back Physiotherapy, Kovilambakkam, we believe in the principle that “Movement is Medicine.” By tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs, physiotherapy helps people regain independence, improve quality of life, and prevent future problems.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of physiotherapy, how they work, and who can benefit from them. Whether you are an athlete, a working professional, a child, or a senior, understanding the right kind of physiotherapy can make a huge difference in your recovery and long-term well-being.
1) Musculoskeletal / Orthopedic Physiotherapy
Orthopedic physiotherapy focuses on the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is the most widely used branch for pain, stiffness, and post-injury recovery.
Common Conditions
- Back and neck pain (cervical/lumbar spondylosis)
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Post-fracture and post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sprains, strains, and tendinopathy
- Postural and ergonomic problems
Typical Techniques
- Manual therapy (joint mobilization, soft-tissue release)
- Strengthening, stretching, and flexibility training
- Electrotherapy (IFT, ultrasound, TENS)
- Posture correction and ergonomic coaching
2) Neurological Physiotherapy
Targets the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It helps retrain movement, coordination, and independence after neurological injury or disease.
Common Conditions
- Stroke (hemiplegia) and traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury, neuropathy, balance disorders
Goals & Methods
- Gait training and balance/coordination exercises
- Functional re-education (transfers, stair climbing, ADLs)
- Tone/spasticity management; task-specific practice
- Caregiver education and home exercise plans
3) Sports Physiotherapy
Designed for athletes and active individuals, focusing on injury management, performance enhancement, and prevention.
Focus Areas
- Acute injuries (ligament sprains, muscle tears, dislocations)
- Overuse injuries (tendinitis, stress reactions)
- Return-to-sport testing and protocols
- Biomechanical analysis and load management
Key Techniques
- Advanced manual therapy, dry needling (if indicated)
- Agility, plyometrics, speed and power training
- Sports taping/strapping and recovery strategies
4) Pediatric Physiotherapy
Children need gentle, development-focused care. Pediatric physio helps with movement difficulties, congenital conditions, and delayed milestones.
Common Indications
- Cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy
- Developmental delays (sitting, crawling, walking)
- Coordination/balance difficulties; pediatric injuries
Approach
- Play-based therapy to build gross motor skills
- Strength, flexibility, and sensory-motor integration
- Caregiver training and home programs
5) Geriatric Physiotherapy
Supports older adults to stay mobile, independent, and safe while managing age-related conditions.
Common Conditions
- Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-fracture or joint replacement rehabilitation
- Balance problems and fall prevention
- Mobility issues related to Parkinson’s or deconditioning
Methods
- Low-impact strengthening and endurance training
- Gait, balance, and posture correction
- Pain management with electrotherapy/manual therapy
6) Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Improves heart and lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life for cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Common Conditions
- Post-cardiac surgery, coronary artery disease
- COPD, asthma, bronchitis, post-COVID complications
- Pulmonary fibrosis and reduced exercise capacity
Core Elements
- Breathing exercises and airway clearance techniques
- Aerobic conditioning and endurance progression
- Energy-conservation education and pacing strategies
7) Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Addresses women’s unique needs across pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
Conditions
- Pregnancy-related back/pelvic pain
- Postnatal recovery (including diastasis recti)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence
- Post-menopausal musculoskeletal concerns
Techniques
- Pelvic floor and core rehabilitation
- Breathing/relaxation and posture training
- Ergonomics for childcare and daily activities
8) Hand & Occupational-Focused Physiotherapy
Restores fine motor control and function in the hand, wrist, and forearm, supporting daily tasks and return-to-work goals.
Common Issues
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve entrapments
- Post-surgical hand/wrist rehabilitation
- Tendon injuries, repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Stroke-related hand weakness, dexterity loss
Benefits
- Improved grip, pinch, and dexterity
- Task-specific retraining for work and home
- Ergonomic and joint-protection strategies
9) Vestibular Rehabilitation
Helps resolve vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders through targeted maneuvers and balance training.
Common Conditions
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis, age-related balance decline
What to Expect
- Repositioning maneuvers (for BPPV)
- Habituation and gaze-stability exercises
- Balance and fall-prevention training
Why Physiotherapy Matters
Physiotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each branch targets specific problems, yet all share the same goal—help you move better, hurt less, and live more. At Bounce Back Physiotherapy, we blend techniques from multiple branches to match your condition and goals, ensuring care that is personal, progressive, and practical.
Ready to start? Early physiotherapy can make a life-changing difference. Book a personalized assessment at Bounce Back Physiotherapy, Kovilambakkam and take the first step toward pain-free, confident movement.
Note: Your program will be customized by our physiotherapist after a detailed assessment of your symptoms, goals, and medical history.