The primary distinction between physical therapy and physiotherapy is the way they focus on healing. Physical therapists typically use a manual, hands-on approach with push-ups, stretches, and soft tissue and fascial massages. On the other hand, physiotherapy employs practical therapy, but adds an exercise-based approach. For the most part, physical therapy and physiotherapy are two terms that are used interchangeably. That is, most people do not differentiate between the two modalities.
In many countries around the world, physiotherapy is the most commonly used term to describe the practice. However, in the United States, physical therapy is the dominant term and physiotherapy can describe physical therapy or be used to describe therapy with little difference from physical therapy. All of this means that there is little or no difference between physical therapy and physiotherapy. For some, exercise and a healthy diet are enough to keep symptoms at bay, but for millions of Americans, physical therapy is one of the best therapies available to improve their quality of life. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, is often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Becoming a physical therapist or physiotherapist requires specific educational credentials and the ability to pass a state exam. However, in practice, the two professions are virtually identical. Perhaps the main difference between a physical therapist and a physiotherapist is their path to obtaining a license. Physiotherapy can also be extremely helpful for older people living with daily aches and pains, such as neck pain, old injuries, joint pain, and problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the APTA, physical therapists are “movement experts” who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, practical care, and patient education.
Becoming a physiotherapist, on the other hand, requires a doctor's degree in physical therapy, which can take a total of eight years to complete, including the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. Some countries have their own version of the word physical therapist, such as kinesiologist, but they are all part of the same profession. The benefits of physical therapy for older people can include the prevention of injuries, healthy breathing practices and the use of breathing as a regular practice, the improvement of flexibility and the reduction of acute pain. While the definitions of physical therapist and physiotherapist differ slightly, this discrepancy could reflect the opinion of the supervisory organization rather than the work itself.
Physiotherapy can help an older person strengthen their muscles which can be of great help for problems such as arthritis. Physical therapists usually treat injuries that do not pose a threat to health by evaluating and caring for musculoskeletal problems. To compare physical therapy with physiotherapy I consulted the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Collegiate Society of Physiotherapists (CPS) in the United Kingdom, and the World Confederation of Physiotherapy (also known as World Physiotherapy), which represents physiotherapists from all over the world. Once the physical therapist or physiotherapist has assessed your condition and formulated a plan you will undergo a physical therapy or physiotherapy treatment.
