Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy: What is the difference?

Many people have at least heard of the terms “physical therapy” and “physiotherapy” which then creates confusion within many patients in many physical therapy clinics as well as physiotherapy clinics. Some may be wondering, what is the difference between a physiotherapist and a physical therapist, as well as the therapies they perform? People may be shocked to learn that physiotherapists vs physical therapists are practically the same.

Although they are not entirely the same, there are very few differences between the two. Perhaps, there are technically no differences between the two terms and each term can also both be used interchangeably. In other words, they could be considered synonyms. The professions in both fields are also considerably similar in general. Some people may also believe that there are minute differences in both job descriptions.

As mentioned, there are few differences between these two, although most of these differences are primarily regionally based. For instance, there are many parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, and Europe in which the profession is known and called physiotherapy. Meanwhile, in the United States, people would usually call this profession physical therapy, with some occasional exemptions. 

What Is Physio?

What is a physio? There are also some practitioners that believe physiotherapy is more concerned with manual therapy. Some may also be confused about what is a physiotherapist? These are the therapist that helps to improve the patient’s injury with a hands-on approach; stretching, soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, fascial release, etc.

Although this explanation is somewhat in contrast to what some people may also suggest, which is a more exercise-based approach; instructing patients on exercises to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and sharpen coordination. It was already mentioned a few times that while the reality is that these terms can be used interchangeably, most clinics here in the United States, may go by physical therapy.

The two terms also carry a medical background and focus on the prevention of any physical injury, the improvement of flexibility, as well as the management of acute pain among others. No matter the term or name is given, these therapists focus on improving the lifestyle of those with chronic conditions.

Treating patients that have suffered an injury, though the most common reasons for patients to come to clinics are for back and neck pain, injuries from accidents, sports injuries, joint immobility, and tendon/ligament issues like carpal tunnel syndrome is what defines physiotherapists as well as physical therapists.

What is physiotherapy treatment?

What is physiotherapy treatment? There are also methods that are used to deal with the pain that is much more varied in physiotherapy, including manual therapy and electrotherapy treatment techniques such as TENS which is also known as the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Which physical therapists would normally not use.

Physiotherapists may also usually work in a hospital setting so as to be able to treat a greater number of patients with different conditions, including referrals from other types of doctors compared to physical therapists, which typically has a private practice, although this allows them to develop better client-therapist relationships.