Fresh health insights

Physiotherapy vs. physical therapy: What’s the difference?

When you’re exploring treatment options for pain, injury recovery, or mobility issues, you might come across two terms that seem interchangeable: physiotherapy and physical therapy. This can raise a natural question: what’s the difference, and does it matter when choosing care? In most cases, the terms are used interchangeably. But behind the language are decades of evolving practices and a shared commitment to helping people move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain. Understanding the origins, similarities, and applications of physiotherapy and physical therapy can help you make smarter, more informed decisions about your health. In this post, we’ll explore how the terms developed, what they mean today, and how to choose the right kind of care based on your individual needs. The practice of using movement and manual techniques to treat illness and injury dates back thousands of years, but the modern professions of physiotherapy and physical therapy began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “Physiotherapy” originated in Europe and became the dominant term in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In contrast, the term “physical therapy” gained traction in the United States, particularly as the profession formalized during and after World War I to treat injured soldiers. Despite these geographic and linguistic differences, both terms describe the same essential practice: restoring function, managing pain, and promoting movement. Today, most English-speaking countries recognize that the terms are functionally identical, with no formal distinction in care goals or clinical scope. Yes, functionally and clinically, physiotherapy and physical therapy are the same. Both involve a licensed healthcare professional working with individuals to address pain, mobility limitations, injuries, and physical impairments. Treatment plans are typically personalized and may include guided exercises, manual therapy, posture correction, education, and ongoing progress assessments. This overlap in scope means that in most real-world situations, the name doesn’t matter — the quality of care does. Whether you see a physiotherapist in London or a physical therapist in Chicago, the foundation of your care will be similar: evidence-based techniques, movement-focused interventions, and a shared goal of restoring physical function and reducing discomfort.

May 9, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

What is physical therapy?

If you’re living with pain — whether it’s in your back, knees, neck, or elsewhere — you’re not alone. Millions of people experience pain that affects how they move, sleep, and live each day. For many, physical therapy is a proven and effective path to feeling better and regaining control. But what is physical therapy, exactly? And how does it work? Physical therapy is a personalized, hands-on approach to improving physical function. It’s guided by licensed professionals who use exercise, education, and movement strategies to help people recover from pain, injury, or limited mobility. Whether you’re healing after surgery or dealing with chronic pain, physical therapy can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and move more confidently again. Let’s walk through what physical therapy really is, who it helps, and how you can access it in person or through a virtual-first solution like Thrive from Sword Health.

May 14, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Orthopedic physical therapy: What it is and how it helps you heal

Muscle, joint, and bone pain are common health concerns that affect millions of people each year. Whether it's lingering discomfort from a sports injury, recovery after surgery, or chronic stiffness that’s crept in over time, these issues often signal an underlying orthopedic condition. For many people, orthopedic physical therapy offers a safe, effective, and evidence-based path to healing. But if you're just starting to explore your options, understanding what this kind of therapy involves, and whether it's right for you, can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can make informed decisions about your health and recovery. Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your body’s structure and movement. Unlike general physical therapy, which might address a broader range of needs, orthopedic PT is highly specialized. It’s particularly effective for addressing pain, restoring mobility, and improving strength in people who are dealing with orthopedic injuries or recovering from orthopedic surgeries. The goal is to help people return to pain-free, functional movement without relying on invasive treatments or long-term medication use. Licensed physical therapists trained in orthopedics tailor treatment to the individual — looking at lifestyle, injury history, and personal goals. With the right plan and consistent guidance, orthopedic PT empowers people to heal and regain confidence in their movement. Orthopedic physical therapy can be beneficial across a wide spectrum of diagnoses and symptoms. If you’re dealing with joint pain in your knees, hips, or shoulders, PT can help improve range of motion and reduce inflammation. Tendonitis and bursitis, common overuse injuries that often affect athletes and active adults, respond well to therapeutic strengthening and mobility work. Post-surgical patients also rely heavily on orthopedic PT to rebuild strength and regain independence after procedures like joint replacements or ligament repairs. Even chronic conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease can be managed effectively with a well-structured therapy plan. The key is addressing problems early, before they progress into more serious or disabling issues. For many people, the first signs of pain or movement limitations are a signal to consider orthopedic PT — not something to wait on until it becomes severe. Even if problems have progressed into more serious issues, though, some chronic conditions may be able to be reversed. In any case, though, the sooner treatment begins, the better.

May 9, 2025 • 8 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Ice vs. heat for pain: a modern guide to healing

For decades, ice was the default treatment for injuries—but modern science tells a different story. Research now shows that inflammation is your body’s repair mechanism, and suppressing it (with ice or NSAIDs) can delay recovery. This guide dives into the PEACE & LOVE protocol, explains when ice or heat is appropriate, and answers critical FAQs about nerve pain, joint pain, and more. When you sprain your ankle or strain a muscle, your body launches a precise inflammatory response: For decades, ice was the go-to treatment for sprains, strains, and post-surgery recovery. However, research shows that inflammation is a critical part of healing. The PEACE & LOVE protocol reflects this shift:

March 20, 2025 • 6 min read

Sword Editorial Team

What Freedom From Pain Makes Possible: Meet Sword Member Chandra

Sword member Chandra first experienced pain while growing up in Los Angeles, California. “It started in my teenage years,” she said, “playing sports and not really having access or the knowledge to know how to take care of myself after.” Throughout her twenties and beyond, Chandra’s pain lingered, even as she took up weight training and powerlifting. Despite how much she enjoyed lifting, pain in her left shoulder and bicep limited what she was able to accomplish in the gym. “The pain definitely did limit me, as far as how much weight I could go up, or certain exercises I could do.” Her pain had kept her in and out of the gym for years. “Sometimes the pain got to be too much,” Chandra said, “and I had to let my body rest.” Now a healthcare executive living in Atlanta, Georgia, Chandra tried one last time to get back into the gym. “When I picked it back up about a year ago, my pain was significantly worse. When I tried to do some type of chest press exercise, my arm would bottom out because I wasn't able to push forward with it.” Chandra knew that in order to find relief from her pain, she needed help. “I realized,” Chandra said, “that this was a little bigger than I could handle on my own.” She visited a provider who gave her a prescription for physical therapy (PT). But Chandra traveled extensively for work, which left her wondering how she would make time for the commute, waiting rooms, and appointment times that are to be expected with traditional PT. “I was sitting there wondering, ‘How the heck am I going to pull off physical therapy?’” Chandra said. She received a notification in the mail about Sword’s digital PT program from her employer, and began hearing Sword success stories from coworkers, too. “Some other employees that had opted to use Sword told me, ‘This is working, I can do it around my own schedule,’ and they were very excited.” So Chandra decided to enroll.

January 5, 2025 • 4 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Movement and Mental Health: The Science Behind It

It probably comes as no surprise to hear that movement helps with your physical health, but did you know that moving your body can strengthen the mind? Whether it’s through structured exercise or daily activities, movement plays a critical role in maintaining mental wellbeing and stamina. When done regularly, it can decrease the effects of stress, improve mood, and even enhance memory and cognition. Before we dive into what your body does with movement, let’s define what we mean. Movement is whatever you can do. It’s taking control of your own health and wellness, and individualizing an activity to your needs. This could mean taking a walk, stretching at your desk, or going to a group class. Release of Endorphins and Neurotransmitters: Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, by triggering the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Additionally, physical activity increases levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin helps regulate mood, and dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward, which together contribute to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.

September 20, 2024 • 3 min read

Sword Editorial Team

Low Impact Activities and Mental Health: The Science Behind It

Low impact exercises are activities that can slowly increase your heart rate but put less pressure on your joints. Think things like swimming, yoga, or tai chi. These exercises tend to lean on gentler, slower movements than that of high impact activity. The benefit of low impact is that you can steadily build and maintain muscle mass without aggravating different areas of your body. Oftentimes, these exercises come with a meditation component to promote relaxation and an exploration of mindfulness. These strategies have been supported in research to be truly beneficial for both the mind and body. These practices help your mental health partially because of their focus on breathing with movement. In general, slowed, controlled breathing reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. This action reduces the release of hormones that are amplified in times of stress, such as cortisol, an adrenal hormone. That means that the sense of calm you may be feeling while performing these exercises isn’t just imagined, but a true result of your hard work. Overtime, this can ultimately lead to better sleep quality, reduced fatigue, increased focus, and overall improved quality of life.

September 20, 2024 • 2 min read

Sword Editorial Team