Everyone moves. One person may glide along with the grace of a dancer, every gesture fluid and supple, while another advances in painful jerks, every step an agonizing effort. Most of us are somewhere in-between. We stand up, sit down, reach for a book, ride a bicycle, all the while unaware of the complex interplay of muscles, joints and bones that makes it all possible.

Physiotherapists study human anatomy to be able to understand what the rest of us take for granted. They know which muscles do which work so that when problems develop in an individual’s ability to move, they can help to sort things out. They specialise in restoring or improving body movement that may be impaired due to disorders of the muscles, joints, bones or nerves. They work with all age groups and their persons include accident and stroke victims, post-surgery persons and people suffering from severe arthritis, rheumatism or paralysis. They even work with athletes and are involved in training as well as in treating sports-related injuries.

Physiotherapy involves the use of specific exercises, stretching and massage techniques, and the application of heat, water and sound. Its objective is to stimulate and tone weak muscles, increase joint mobility and improve posture. It is particularly vital in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy, polio and other mobility-related disorders.

A good physiotherapist spends a lot of time observing her person. This includes not only watching his movement patterns and preferred positions, but also understanding what kind of life he lives. Does his family sit on the floor or on chairs? Do they use an Indian toilet or a Western one? Does he use a spoon to eat or does he prefer his hands? Can his family afford special equipment or do they have to adapt what they already have? With the answers to these and many other questions, the physiotherapist is able to design an individual programme for the person that has a chance of succeeding.

The way that a physiotherapist works with her persons is necessarily very intimate. PTs sometime focus so exclusively on the arm or leg in question that they forget it is attached to a real person with feelings and ideas. A good PT always keeps in mind the dignity of the person she is working with. She explains what she is doing as she does it and checks continually to see that the person is comfortable and relaxed.