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Physiotherapy

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What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.

They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them to remain independent for as long as possible.

What is an AHP?

Allied Health Professionals work across the hospital and community settings. Allied Health Professionals are Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists, Speech and Language Therapists, Radiographers and Physiotherapists.

For information on working as an AHP student at NHS Western Isles view our AHP Student Info & Orientation Pack

What physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person' approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient's general lifestyle.

At the core is the patient's involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.

You can benefit from physiotherapy at any time in your life. Physiotherapy can help with back pain or sudden injury, managing long-term medical condition such as asthma, and in preparing for childbirth or a sporting event.

Why Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's)
Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis).

Physiotherapists work in a variety of specialisms in health and social care. Additionally, some physiotherapists are involved in education, research and service management.

Our Services

Inpatients: Physiotherapy is available for inpatients who are referred to the service by a Consultant, Doctor or a Nurse.

Outpatients: Outpatient appointments are available in the Physiotherapy Department. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy is one of the services we offer as an Outpatient. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, nerves and other structures in order to:

Improve your movement and strength
Help you to do more of your normal activities
Help you to understand and manage your condition.

You can refer yourself to MSK Physiotherapy, without seeing your GP first, using our self referral form – please see form for details as this is not suitable for every condition. You may be offered the choice of virtual or telephone appointments if this is more suitable for you.

Community Visits: Our Community Physiotherapists will provide Physiotherapy in your place of residence, when it is appropriate to do so. For example, for people who have fallen.

Paediatric (children’s) Physiotherapy: This is available to children under the age of 16. A physiotherapist will see them at home, in the department or at school.

Returning Equipment: If you have been provided with equipment that you no longer require, please return to your local physiotherapy department.

Phio - Online Digital Support for people with muscle or joint pains

Those aged 16 and over living in the Western Isles who are registered with a local GP Practice are now being offered access to a free online digital platform designed to improve access to the right care for people with bone, joint and muscle concerns.

If you have joint, muscle or back pain, Phio can provide a digital assessment and help guide you to the most appropriate care.

Following the assessment, you may receive a personalised exercise programme and self-management support through the Phio Engage app, or be directed to other healthcare services if required. It is available on any internet-enabled device.

Phio complements existing NHS Western Isles physiotherapy and GP services and offers an additional option for accessing support, particularly for people living in remote and rural communities. It does not replace a self-referral form to see a physiotherapist face to face, however, it might be a useful source of guidance and advice whilst you are awaiting your face to face physiotherapy appointment.

Access Phio by clicking here or scanning the QR code below.