{"title":"What is physiotherapy?","content":"**Physiotherapy is a health profession that treats through movement: it evaluates, preserves and restores the body's physical capabilities. At the Pôle Equilibre & Santé practice in Dudelange, a team of qualified physiotherapists provides care on medical prescription that may be reimbursed by the CNS. The practice is located at Bloc A, 48 Rue de la Libération, in the city centre, in the south of Luxembourg.**\n\n## Where does the word “physiotherapy” come from?\n\nThe term combines two Greek roots: *kinêsis*, movement, and *therapeia*, care. Physiotherapy is therefore the practice of treating through movement. Depending on the situation, the physiotherapist seeks to initiate, correct or, where necessary, protect movement, restoring function affected by illness, an accident or surgery.\n\n## How does a physiotherapist work?\n\nPhysiotherapists use several approaches, combining them in line with the findings of your assessment:\n\n- **Active work**: progressive mobility, strengthening, balance and coordination exercises, which constitute the heart of effective rehabilitation.\n- **Manual techniques**: mobilisation of muscles, tendons and joints, including [manual therapy](/dudelange/competence/therapie-manuelle) and massage.\n- **Physical agents**: heat, cold, [electrotherapy](/dudelange/equipement/electrotherapie), [thermotherapy](/dudelange/equipement/thermotherapie) or [pneumatic compression therapy](/dudelange/equipement/pressotherapie).\n- **Supports and strapping** to support or unload an area that is healing.\n\nThe goal remains the same: restore function — walking, grasping, breathing, moving without pain — and help you manage day to day.\n\n## What does physiotherapy treat in Dudelange?\n\nThe field of physiotherapy is very broad. At the practice, care includes in particular:\n\n- back and neck pain and postural imbalances;\n- the consequences of surgery and trauma: [orthopaedic rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-orthopedique) and [hand rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-de-la-main);\n- injuries linked to physical activity: [sports physiotherapy](/dudelange/competence/kinesitherapie-du-sport);\n- conditions affecting the nervous system: [neurological rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-neurologique);\n- dizziness and balance disorders: [vestibular rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-vestibulaire);\n- incontinence and postnatal care: [pelvic-floor rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-perineo-sphincterienne);\n- oedema and swelling: [lymphatic drainage](/dudelange/competence/drainage-lymphatique);\n- jaw disorders: [maxillofacial rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-maxillo-faciale);\n- children and infants: [paediatric rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/reeducation-pediatrique);\n- respiratory diseases: [respiratory rehabilitation](/dudelange/competence/cardio-respiratoire).\n\nThe detailed list is available on the [Practice services](/dudelange/competences) page, and the equipment available on the [Equipment](/dudelange/equipement) page.\n\n## A regulated profession with reimbursement in Luxembourg\n\nThe physiotherapist completes university-level clinical training and has the regulated professional title of physiotherapist, recognised by the [Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/fr.html). They work closely with the doctors who make the diagnosis and prescribe the care.\n\nIn Luxembourg, a session prescribed by a doctor is **potentially eligible for reimbursement by the [CNS](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html)**. The practical details — prescription, authorisation and process — are explained on the page [The Consultation](/dudelange/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine).\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### How does physiotherapy differ from osteopathy?\n\nThese are two complementary approaches. Physiotherapy is a health profession potentially reimbursed when prescribed, focused on rehabilitation and movement. [Osteopathy](/dudelange/osteopathie/osteopathie-definition), not reimbursed by the CNS, is based on a whole-body approach using manual techniques. Depending on your situation, one, the other or both may be indicated.\n\n### Is physiotherapy only for injured people?\n\nNo. It also supports injury prevention, maintaining mobility in seniors, preparation before a scheduled operation and management of chronic respiratory and neurological conditions.\n\n### Should you consult a doctor before coming?\n\nYes, a medical prescription is necessary for treatment reimbursed by the CNS. The practice then handles the administrative formalities.\n\n### How do I make an appointment in Dudelange?\n\nAppointments are made by telephone at [+352 26 65 15 33](tel:+35226651533) for physiotherapy. The practice is located at Bloc A, 48 Rue de la Libération, L-3511 Dudelange — see [Contact & access](/dudelange/contact).\n\n## Find out more\n\n- [The Consultation](/dudelange/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine) — prescription, reimbursement, progress\n- [Practice services](/dudelange/competences) — all rehabilitation specialisms\n- [The team of physiotherapists](/dudelange/kinesitherapeutes) — the practice’s physiotherapists\n- [CNS — Physiotherapists](https://cns.public.lu/en/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html) — official reimbursement conditions\n- [Ministry of Health](https://sante.public.lu/en.html) — health professions in Luxembourg\n"}