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Physiotherapists are not only there to solve problems - they are also there to help prevent them from arising in the first place. This summary explains the physiotherapist's role in promoting all-round health.

Each person makes different demands of their body, depending on their lifestyle and the activities they carry out. How their body responds to those demands is governed by a range of factors, including their overall physical condition.

A physiotherapist can help you find the best way to use your body to maximise your strengths, eliminate bad habits and put minimal strain on weaker areas, to help you enjoy a more full and healthy life.

What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist will assess how your movement is functioning, and will ask about how it is affecting your life. They will watch your movements, they may feel the joints concerned, and will ask you about:

• what tasks you need to carry out
• current activities that cause you difficulty
• any previous discomfort or injuries.

To complete the picture, they will also need to know about your general health and lifestyle, including:

• how active you are
• what your diet is like
• how you manage your weight
• whether you smoke or drink alcohol - and if so, how much
• what you do for work and in your leisure time, and how you spend time with friends or family?

What general health advice will the physiotherapist offer?

As well as treatment and advice for any particular condition, and working with you to set goals, the physiotherapist may offer health and lifestyle advice in the following areas:

Physical activity

Be as active as possible. Getting enough exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym five times a week - it could simply mean walking instead of driving to the shops. Or it could mean getting involved in active pastimes with friends and family (especially children). This will help keep your joints supple, improve muscle tone and co-ordination, keep your body weight down, and reduce stress. Keeping active reduces your chances of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis as well as many life-threatening conditions.

Diet

Eat a balanced diet, including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, and drink lots of water. This will help boost your immune system to promote rapid healing, and will increase your energy to help you remain active. Staying within your recommended weight will help reduce strain on joints, preventing aches and pains.

Smoking

Smoking is linked to a range of serious illnesses, and giving up is an important step in improving your overall health and well-being. It can make you out of breath, so that physical exertion becomes more difficult. It can also cause circulatory problems.

Alcohol

Reducing alcohol intake increases your energy levels so you can become more active. Meanwhile, many injuries that cause long-term pain discomfort (ranging from sprains to broken limbs or whiplash) are caused after people have drunk too much alcohol. If you drink alcohol, moderation is the key.

Stress

Try to be aware of how your emotional state affects your body. If you have neck pain, does this arise when you are angry, tired or stressed? How does your posture change after a difficult phone call or after driving in a traffic jam? Your physiotherapist may help you consider ways to reduce your stress, or simply to maintain better posture when you are stressed.

Where can I get more information?

Alcohol: know your limits

A campaign from the NHS to help people understand their alcohol use. Provides a range of information including a unit calculator, a drink diary and tips on how to cut down.
T 0800 917 8282 (Drinkline, free and confidential 24-hour helpline)
W http://units.nhs.uk/

British Dietetic Association

The professional association for dieticians. Provides a range of information on healthy eating, including the factsheet 'Getting the balance right'.
T 0121 200 8080
W www.bda.uk.com

Livewell Fitness

A web resource from the NHS to help people of all ages find ways to become more active. The fitness section includes guidelines for recommended levels of activity and tips for adopting an active lifestyle. Other sections provide useful information on a range of aspects of health and well being. W www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Fitness

Mind

Mental health charity operating in England and Wales. Produces an information booklet about stress and runs a confidential helpline.
T 0845 766 0163
W www.mind.org.uk

Smokefree

A campaign from the NHS to help people give up smoking. Provides a range of information, advice and useful tips through its website and the NHS Smoking Helpline.
T 0800 022 4 332
W smokefree.nhs.uk