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Physiotherapy Treatment in New York City, NY

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Physiotherapy & Physical Therapy, the Difference Explained

Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy are generally the same and each term can be used interchangeably. Having said that, some view physiotherapy as more of a hands-on manual therapy approach to rehabilitation. That is, in physiotherapy, the therapist helps to improve the patient’s injury with joint manipulation, mobilization, resistance training, and stretching, soft tissue release, myofascial release, etc. This view draws a distinction with physical therapy which they feel is a more exercise-based approach instructing patients on strengthening muscles, improving balance, and sharpening coordination.

The only sharp and clear difference between Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy is rooted in geographic region(s) – and in many parts of the world including Australia, Canada, and Europe the profession is known as Physiotherapy.  Throughout the U.S. we predominantly refer to the profession as Physical Therapy. 

In Summary, a Slight Differences in Emphasis (Not Always the Case):

  • Physiotherapy: There are sources that suggest physiotherapy may lean slightly more toward manual therapy like massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation.
  • Physical Therapy: Some sources suggest physical therapy might place a slightly greater emphasis on exercise-based rehabilitation programs.

So if someone claims that physiotherapy is different from physical therapy, it’s likely  they’re viewing physiotherapy as applying a more hands-on and manual approach contrasted with viewing physical therapy as using a more exercise-based approach.   At the end of the day for most it’s a distinction with little difference as both physiotherapy and physical therapy are focused on treating patients with injuries, diseases, and disorders. The treatment methods include exercise, massages, movement, and manipulation of a patient’s trouble area.

3 Main Areas of Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy can be used to treat damage or pain in the body’s muscle tissue, joints, nerves, ligaments, tendons and muscular or skeletal structures that support the limbs or the back. Musculoskeletal disorders can affect almost any part of the body from the back and the neck to the limbs, hands and feet.  Musculoskeletal physiotherapy contributes to patient recovery and improved quality of life in a number of ways:

  • Improves muscle strength and flexibility
  • Improves range of motion, ease and quality of movement
  • Improves coordination and control of movement
  • Relieves pain or eliminates it entirely
  • Helps the patient to develop coping strategies to help them deal with pain or difficulty performing normal movements during the recovery process.
  • Helps you to achieve physical exercise or fitness goals
  • Teaches and consolidates healthy ways of moving to reduce the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the future
  • I can devise a home or office physiotherapy program to help you to continue your recovery at home, the office or at the gym. I can also formulate a maintenance program once you have recovered to make sure you continue to benefit from your physical therapy.
  • musculoskeletal physiotherapy can ultimately speed your recovery and allow you to return to normal activities as early as possible.
  • Decrease swelling and inflammation
  • Improve the patient’s day to day level of independence and self-sufficiency

The patient’s condition and unique set of symptoms are taken into account when I putting together his or her treatment plan.  If musculoskeletal physiotherapy is recommended for you, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you understand the treatment is recommended and that expectations are realistic.

Neurological physiotherapy

Neurological physiotherapy helps heal issues within the nervous system. These disorders can include stroke, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.  Injury to your central nervous system can create a situation where your brain’s messages are not reaching the affected parts of your body. This is sometimes observed in uncoordinated movement, or a total loss of movement and sensation. Neurological Physiotherapy treatment can “kick-start” (so to speak) the message pathways your brain’s having difficulty using – making new pathways through repetitive actions and exercises. Many clients who undergo Neurological Physiotherapy can improve symptoms such as, difficulties with loss of balance, loss of hand and arm, or leg and foot function, walking, spasticity and pain.

Cardiothoracic physiotherapy

Cardiothoracic physiotherapy specializes in the prevention, rehabilitation of clients with diseases and injuries in the heart and lungs. These conditions may be a shortness of breath, persistent cough, increased work of breathing or the reduced ability to exercise and help patients work through asthma, bronchitis, and other cardio-respiratory related health problems.

Patients often have to wait weeks or months to gain access to providers—long enough for conditions to move from acute to chronic.  The Palmer Concierge PT Team brings physical therapy to you, to meet your wellness goals with the convenience of a mobile service that comes to your home, office or hotel.  Our goal in providing personalized one-on-one care is to help you achieve a pain-free and healthy lifestyle.  We offer a mobile physical therapy experience in New York City, Brooklyn and the Hamptons that empowers, educates, and restores balanced healthy movement without the drive to appointments, having to re-schedule your day, or cope with crowds and traffic.

–The Palmer Concierge PT Team

Reviews from Our Valued Clients

We can help you get back to your active and pain-free lifestyle with our personalized, one-on-one sessions, all in the comfort and convenience of your home or office.

★★★★★

K.A., New York

I can’t say enough about Palmer Concierge Physical Therapy. Six weeks ago, I was in severe pain stemming from a tight right hip issue and severe tension in my upper back and neck. A friend recommended I get in touch with Jim ASAP. From our very first session, Jim was professional and extremely easy going. He really meets you where you are. He was able to immediately assess my issues and to prescribe exercises that built upon once another with each session that we worked together.

★★★★★

P.F., New York

My 2 boys ages (10 and 12) were dealing with some minor injuries from playing high level competitive soccer. After testing and diagnosing them individually, Jim was able to put together a stretching program for both boys before soccer training. The results have been fantastic. Both boys haven’t complained of pain or discomfort since instituting Jim’s regime. I would highly recommend Jim for Sports PT for both adolescents and adults.

★★★★★

L.L., New York

How wonderful to find concierge physical therapy, and how even more wonderful to find such a competent, skilled therapist as Dr. Palmer! I had injured my upper arm, resulting in extreme pain and limited range of motion (inability to raise my arm above shoulder level). After assessing my condition, Dr. Palmer explained and prescribed a few simple exercises that I could do at home without any extra equipment. I was thrilled when within 2-3 weeks, I was totally pain free and had full range of motion!

Schedule your complimentary virtual consultation today! Click the red phone icon or call us at 212-289-1586

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