physical n physio therapy

It was both disconcerting and more than a little alarming to realize that 8 of my younger retired friends were currently engaged in some form of physical/physio therapy at least 2 times a week. Their ailments were related to the neck, leg, knee, back, arm, hand, feet and sciatica. To me just about every muscle and ligament on the human skeleton seemed curable by therapy. So I inquired from my friend the physician who explained that though sometimes used interchangeably the titles 'Physiotherapist' and 'Physical therapist' are different and a referral is based on the severity of injury and rehabilitative need of the patient, that it is vitally important to be able to differentiate between these titles so you can be fully aware of the therapist’s qualifications when seeking treatment for your musculoskeletal problem. I also learned that neither the masseuse at the spa nor my friends that can rub good (good rubbers) are qualified to administer therapy and that in some cases it takes up to 7 years to qualify as a physical therapist,  In response to why doctor referrals to physical/physio therapy appear to be trending upwards. The short answer, it is an option to dispensing traditional medicine to alleviate pain. That being the case, it is safe to suggest to the retiree that we may be on to something with our pet therapy since such can only augment and aid this other therapy.