Physiotherapy is often seen as a rehabilitation treatment and, as such, it is extremely effective in helping people recover from sometimes serious injuries and illnesses. ... As well as pain relief, one of the main aims of physiotherapy is to restore physical function after injury, illness or surgery. During the course of their career a physiotherapist will treat all manner of people including children with cerebral palsy, premature babies, pregnant women, people undergoing rehabilitation, athletes, the elderly (to try and get them fitter), and those needing help following heart disease, strokes, or major surgery.