When people think of Physiotherapy, many imagine sports injuries or post-surgery rehab. But Physiotherapy is so much broader than that. It supports people of all ages and abilities, whether they’re recovering from illness, managing chronic pain, improving mobility, or just working to stay strong and independent.

So, what exactly is Physiotherapy? What is it used for? And how does it differ from other allied health services like Occupational Therapy or Exercise Physiology?

This article will cover everything you need to know, including some common misconceptions and how Physiotherapy fits into the broader care offered by the team at Bloom Healthcare.

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy (often called “physio”) is a health profession that focuses on helping people improve their movement, strength, balance, and physical function. It’s based on the science of how the body moves and works—and how it heals and adapts over time.

A Physiotherapist uses manual therapy, education, and exercise to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. But more than that, Physiotherapy helps people do the things that matter most to them—whether it’s walking without fear of falling, returning to work after surgery, or simply being able to lift a grandchild.

At Bloom Healthcare, Physiotherapy is never just about the injury. It’s about supporting the whole person with tailored care that fits into their goals, their environment, and their everyday life.

What Is Physiotherapy Used For?

Physiotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of health conditions, not just muscular or joint problems.

Some of the most common areas we treat include:

• Injury recovery – from sprains, strains, fractures or workplace injuries

• Chronic pain – like arthritis, lower back pain, or fibromyalgia

• Neurological conditions – such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis

• Rehabilitation after surgery, including hip or knee replacements

• Falls prevention and balance training – especially for older adults

• Respiratory issues – including post-COVID recovery or chronic lung conditions

• Mobility and strength – for people with physical disabilities or age-related decline

Physiotherapists at Bloom often work with NDIS participants, older adults receiving aged care supports, and people recovering from long-term illness or injury. No matter the situation, the goal is to restore movement, build strength, and increase independence.

What Is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

One specialised area of Physiotherapy that many people don’t know about is Vestibular Physiotherapy, a treatment designed for people experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.

The vestibular system (in the inner ear) controls our sense of balance and spatial orientation. When it’s disrupted, due to conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, concussion, or inner ear damage, it can cause symptoms like:

• Spinning sensations

• Nausea or motion sickness

• Feeling unsteady or light-headed

• Difficulty walking, especially in crowds or low light

Vestibular Physiotherapy uses exercises and head movements (such as the Epley manoeuvre) to retrain the brain and inner ear, restore balance, and reduce dizziness.

At Bloom Healthcare, our Physiotherapists provide vestibular rehab as part of our broader service, especially for NDIS participants or older adults at higher risk of falls and injury.

To learn more about how we help with vertigo, visit our article – Physiotherapy for Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Confidence.

What Is Physiotherapy Treatment Like?

Every Physiotherapy journey starts with a comprehensive assessment. Your Bloom Physiotherapist will ask about your health history, current symptoms, daily routines, and personal goals. From there, they’ll create a tailored treatment plan—one that’s designed to fit your needs, not just your diagnosis.

Common Physiotherapy treatments include:

• Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to improve joint movement and reduce pain

• Therapeutic exercise – building strength, coordination, and flexibility

• Balance and gait training – to reduce falls or support mobility aids

• Dry needling or taping – to relieve muscle tension or support weak areas

• Education and advice – about posture, body mechanics, pacing, and prevention

Your treatment might happen in a clinic, at home, or via telehealth. At Bloom, we also offer community-based Physiotherapy, which is ideal for clients who find travel difficult or prefer therapy in a familiar setting.

What Is the Difference Between Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology?

Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology often work side by side, but they have different focuses. Understanding the distinction can help you access the right support.

At Bloom, our physios and exercise physiologists regularly collaborate, especially for NDIS participants or clients in aged care, ensuring care transitions smoothly from recovery to long-term strength and wellbeing.

What Is the Difference Between Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy?

This is another common question, and it’s an important one. While both professions support function and independence, they focus on different aspects of daily life.

At Bloom Healthcare, both disciplines work hand-in-hand, especially when a person has complex needs. For example, a stroke survivor may work with a Physiotherapist on walking and movement, and an Occupational Therapist on regaining independence in the kitchen or bathroom.

Why Choose Physiotherapy at Bloom Healthcare?

At Bloom, Physiotherapy is about more than treatment. It’s about supporting people to live well. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, building strength after injury, or learning to adapt to a new diagnosis, our Physiotherapists walk alongside you with empathy and evidence-based care.

Here’s what makes our approach different:

• We deliver Physiotherapy in-home, in-clinic, and via telehealth

• Our team includes specialists in vestibular rehab, falls prevention, and NDIS functional assessments

• We coordinate care with our broader team, including OTs, EPs, psychologists, and PBS practitioners

• We put your goals, not just your diagnosis, at the centre of everything we do

You can explore our full physiotherapy services here:
https://bloom-healthcare.com.au/services/physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is more than rehab. It’s a versatile, client-focused therapy that supports people at every stage of life—restoring movement, improving function, and increasing confidence.

Whether you need help with injury recovery, dizziness, chronic pain, or mobility challenges, physiotherapy offers tailored support backed by science and built around your life.

At Bloom Healthcare, we’re here to help you move forward. Contact us today.