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Physiotherapy Services & Physiotherapists in Indonesia

This page is generously sponsored by EastWest Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is an evidence based health profession that uses non invasive techniques to assess, diagnose and treat injuries and movement disorders of the whole body. Physiotherapy can be categorised into speciality areas such as Musculo-skeletal, Neurological, Paediatric, Sports, Women’s Health, Rehabilitation, and Cardio-thoracic.

Physiotherapy is a health profession that is recognised by doctors throughout the world. It is therefore covered by most insurance companies. Sometimes a doctor’s referral letter is needed for insurance claims.

After an assessment is made by a physiotherapist and a diagnosis made, treatment can consist of manual therapy, exercises, massage, education or electrotherapy techniques. Physiotherapy always uses a combination of passive and active treatment techniques to improve the function of the client.

What Conditions can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy can help with pain, stiffness, weakness and dysfunction of the spine and all joints, muscles, nerves and ligaments within the body. This can be caused by a specific injury, posture or work related, sports injury, Arthritis, Scoliosis and Tendonitis.

A physiotherapist can provide important rehabilitation after surgery to regain mobility, strength and function.

People who have suffered from strokes and other neurological conditions also benefit from physiotherapy rehabilitation to restore movement.

Physiotherapy can also assist with the discomforts of pregnancy, recovering from childbirth and other issues related to women’s health.

Sporting injuries are a common reason why people consult a physiotherapist.

Patients do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. Sometimes consulting a doctor is important to rule out any broken bone or pain that is originating from a non musculo-skeletal source. If in any doubt consult a reputable doctor.

Physiotherapy in Indonesia

Physiotherapy as a profession has been practiced for many years in Indonesia and there are many well established physiotherapy universities around Indonesia. Physiotherapy in Indonesia has many similarities and also many differences when compared with the style of physiotherapy practiced in countries such as Australia, America, England and in Europe and South Africa.

Physiotherapy clinics in Jakarta have a wide range of therapists with varying levels of qualifications and experience. Some clinics have therapists who have trained in Australia and Europe and others who have completed their undergraduate degree in Indonesia.

Some of these Indonesian-trained therapists have completed extra training in Australia and Europe. Therapists from training from western countries tend to provide treatment with a focus more on exercise which creates empowerment, longer lasting results, and prevention of injury reoccurrence.

This is in contrast with therapy that is passive and relies on machines. Physiotherapy and Pilates - a core strengthening exercise program that is very useful for rehabilitation especially of the lower back and neck, is becoming more widely available in Jakarta.

Physiotherapists work closely with other medical professionals such as Podiatrists, Occupational Therapists, and Surgeons to provide a full service of health care to clients.

Written by: Janet Walters. Consultant Physiotherapist, Eastwest Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Jakarta.

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