Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Mariella Graziano, Physiotherapist, Luxembourg, for her contributions to this section.
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who deals with physical weaknesses and difficulties that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing.
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat disabilities to restore normal physical function. Using physical techniques - including exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy - a physiotherapist can help improve movement and muscle function1. Physiotherapists with a special interest in Parkinson’s disease focus on the person’s ability to perform transfers (for example, getting in and out of bed), posture, dexterity, balance and gait.
The physiotherapist will also deal with non-motor problems, such as pain, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, bladder and bowel problems, and how they affect the person’s physical performance.
Physiotherapists work in hospital and community settings. Ideally they work as part of a multidisciplinary team involving many different types of healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive care, although some do prefer to work alone.
Whilst conventional physiotherapists practice traditional massage, manipulation, exercise and movement they are also increasingly using alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, Alexander Technique, aromatherapy, Craniosacral therapy, Pilates, reflexology and Shiatsu Massage.
A technique of inserting and manipulating ultra-fine needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being.
See section on acupuncture.
A practice that is mainly concerned with changing movement habits in our everyday activities and thus eliminating or reducing harmful tension in our body, particularly in the head, neck and back.
See section on Alexander technique.
An ancient practice that uses essential oils (essences from aromatic plants) to improve physical and emotional well-being.
See section on aromatherapy.
Craniosacral therapy (also called cranial osteopathy) is an holistic therapy involving gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull, the underlying meningeal membranes, and the nerve endings in the scalp to restore rhythmic flow to the craniosacral system in the body, which includes the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, and surrounding membranes.
CranioSacral is named for the cerebrospinal fluid that flows up and down the spinal cord from the cranium (head) to the sacrum (tailbone).
A complete exercise method dedicated to improving physical and mental health. It is a system of body control which, by realigning and correcting poor body posture, aims to teach people how to use their muscles more efficiently.
See section on Pilates.
Reflexology is based on the principle that the anatomy of the body is reflected in miniature on reflex zones on the feet and to a lesser extent the hands, and that by using specific techniques of holds and pressures on these zones, healing is both initiated and accelerated in the corresponding area of the body.
See section on reflexology.
Shiatsu Massage, also called acupressure, uses the fingertips and thumb in massage and manipulation, to apply pressure to specific points of the body to stimulate or release the 'meridians' (paths of the body) through which Chi (Qi) flows.
Shiatsu massage therapy is intended as a healing method, not just a relaxation tool.
