There are a number of reasons why people turn to physical therapy, or physiotherapy. Books, brochures and classes abound full of information on massage techniques, chest physiotherapy, athletic injuries, sometimes a picture says more than words.

This is where physiotherapy cartoons come in.

Hospitals, schools and books on physical education use Physiotherapy cartoons to help educate patients, both young and old. They provide a way for the patient to understand the process.

Subjects like exercise are illustrated along side instructions for a clear picture of how to exercise and stretch without injury. A cartoon illustration on standing and sitting postures helps those with back pain learn how posture can minimize problems. Some VCR or DVD based cartoons and coloring books were made for children with certain illnesses in mind to help relax their fears.

The second form comes through comic illustrations. Cartoonists find humor in everything and, because it includes so much variety, physiotherapy is one of their favorite subjects. Physiotherapy cartoons are everywhere.

They are in the local newspaper, in books, online, even hanging in hospitals, clinics and private practices. There purpose is to make people laugh, or to cause a “what if” scenario. One such comic shows a nude woman flying off a massage table with a therapist stating, “I always use lots of oil when I give a massage..

oops!”.

Sometimes, the illustrator and writer create physiotherapy cartoons, or comics, as a means for discussion or debate on a controversial topic, or to present their own view on the subject to the public. There have been cartoons depicting a man in a turban standing over a bed of nails with an “Orthopedic” sign nearby.

Numerous comics show the physiotherapist needing a physiotherapist to relieve his or her pain. A cartoon by illustrator Will Ferrell shows a massage therapist twisting a boneless leg of cringing man lying on an exercise table. Some go a step further by portraying the physical therapist as a sort of dominatrix tormenting her patient with unrealistic exercises.

When it comes to physiotherapy cartoons and comics picking on the practice, cartoonists find therapists hourly rates to be a humorous topic. A comic found on the Internet illustrates a man reaching into his coat pocket with the physical therapist standing behind rubbing the patients shoulders. The caption states, “There – you can reach for your wallet without any trouble at all”.

Whether for informational purposes or humor, cartoonists continue to rely on the growing trends in physiotherapy – aromatherapy, herbal, and reflexology – to fuel their creativity. To find out more search online for physiotherapy cartoons.

One of the most important piece of equipment used by physical therapists is a physiotherapy couch, or bench. This flat cushioned, vinyl covered chair, bed, table, or couch on an adjustable frame is where the client lays or sits during a therapy session.

It is usually comes on rollers for easy movability with foot sections and back adjustments that move in positive and negative degree positions. Some are sold with a small stool for the therapist. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

The main part of the physiotherapy couch supports the body and lies in a horizontal position. Equipment comes with a head and neck rest that, depending on the model, may or may not be detachable. This allows the patient to comfortably lie on the back or stomach according to individual need.

The couch may include manual adjustments, or electrical controls.

A physiotherapist may choose to use a physiotherapy couch for clients with a variety of ailments, injuries and disorders. Generally it is used in massage therapy for clients with back pain and injury, but is equally useful for working with patients with leg and foot injury.

Some companies, such as Delta, offer additional parts for their couches and tables. These include side supports for keeping the patient from falling, shoulder and arm supports, a vertical lift, manual adjustments for foot sections, a three to seven section table, and the option for thicker cushioning. An advanced physiotherapy couch can be adjusted so that the table lies horizontally flat or tilts up to a forty five degree angle.

Some medical equipment companies are trying to come up with better couch designs. This is due mainly to current couches, or benches being too short for a patient to comfortably rest his or her legs on. At present, therapy couches can be bought with a width up to eighty inches wide.

When a physiotherapist couch is unavailable, a physical therapist may set up a temporary arrangement, such as the use of a bed, floor or table. Pillows and blankets may be used for client support and comfort.

A portable physiotherapist couch is light enough for the physical therapist, or masseuse to bring straight to the client’s home or work place.

Instead of an adjustable metal bar frame and system for support, lightweight portable couches are built on a metal, or wooden frame that uses a cable system. The cables tighten to support weight as it is put onto the cushions.

Physiotherapist couches, tables and chairs are sold in a variety of colors with, or without additional hardware. All are made with both the therapist’s and client’s needs in mind.

The term physiotherapy associates often refers to a group of health professionals and therapists dedicated to helping patients heal from injuries, illnesses and disorders that require outpatient care. Such professional physical and occupational therapists work in a small setting, such as a clinic, generally outside of a hospital, but not always.

Physiotherapy associates clinics are branched throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and throughout the world.

As a group they offer a variety of health services depending on the individual needs of their patients. Besides clinics, sports physiotherapy associates may hold jobs in schools, or athletic clubs.

Their goal is to help educate, train, and help patients recover from injury or disease.

Physiotherapy associates play an important role in body recovery. Many offer services that cover pediatrics with evaluations for children under the age of 21.

The child begins an appropriate treatment once the therapist and parent agree the child will benefit from physical therapy.

Many physiotherapy associates offer therapy for assisted living. Generally, the patient goes to the clinic for rehabilitation techniques.

The physical therapist doesn’t visit the patient at home. Their aim is to help the aging restore and maintain mobility, as well as increase their activity level to stay fit and reduce hospitalization.

Some hospitals refer sports related injuries to a specialist under physiotherapy associates from their hospital branch, or private practice.

This includes knee, tendon, ligament, broken bones, and wrist injuries. Today it is more common to find sports physiotherapy going beyond treating injuries. There are programs to instruct athletes in techniques to keep muscles from strain, exercise programs to strengthen the body, and patient programs formed to teach the science of certain games such as golf, or tennis in hopes of preventing injury before it happens.

Patients and families with a member who has gone through a stroke will find the help they need at such clinics. Therapists are trained to work with mobility and speech problems.

A few clinics also offer drug rehabilitation, of which may or may not include in-patient care.

Beyond the practice of medicine, numerous clinics offer alternative medicine, or holistic treatment to patients who request it. Depending on the clinic this may include alternative practices like hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, Reiki, reflexology, herbs, and sometimes crystal healing. Though the majorities use aromatherapy, reflexology and herbal medicines more often, the other forms are slowing gaining popularity.

Hospitals and phones include physiotherapy associates listings. Job search engines, such as After College, list places in need of physical therapists. Many branches include information about their clinics and services on their website.