Physiotherapy: An Overview

Physiotherapy is a type of medical treatment which is focused on the prevention and reduction of physical pain as caused by surgery or chronic health problems. This method is used with patients who are experiencing difficulty moving around and in performing their daily activities. Physiotherapists are professionals who help patients improve on their physical health by assisting them in achieving the normal bodily movements.

In the next passages, you will learn more information about physiotherapy, its facts, functions and types. So read on.

Functions of Physiotherapy

Recovery to Injury

Physiotherapy helps patients recover from physical injury such as plantar fasciitis and back pain by reducing pain in the tendons, ligaments and muscles. Through physiotherapy, the soft tissues in the body improves in terms of functionality and flexibility resulting to the development of muscle strength. All throughout the process, the physiotherapist guides the patient perform various rehabilitation exercises over a series of sessions so that complete recovery can be achieved.

Disability Rehabilitation

Physical conditions such as brain injury, stroke, cardiopulmonary conditions and spinal cord injury affect the different body systems and can lead to serious disability if no immediate treatment is carried out. The job of a physiotherapist is to take care of the patient’s range of physical mobility and range of motion such as endurance, muscular strength, climbing stairs and walking around. Patients are recommended with the right equipment such a wheel chair or walker etc. depending on their need.

Assistance to Chronic Health Conditions

Physiotherapy can help patients with various chronic or permanent health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, temporomandibular condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s disease, spinal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis and vertigo. The physiotherapist will perform thorough examination on the patient and create a physical activity program that will help them cope with their specific condition. Activities are geared towards the improvement and strengthening of muscle movements and increasing their capacity for endurance or range of motion.

Therapy to Childhood Health Conditions

It is important to note that physiotherapy is not limited to adults. Children with chronic health conditions are also good candidates for physiotherapy. In here, patients are helped in improving mobility by developing physical strength and endurance. Physiotherapy is most beneficial to children with injuries such as brain injury, arthritis, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. The first thing that the physiotherapist does is to inspect the child’s condition and then provide a special physical plan that is fit to their needs.

Types of Physiotherapy

Exercise

Physiotherapy consists of a specific exercises designed for specific health conditions. These exercises include walking, jogging, water aerobics, lifting weights, abdomen and trunk and stretching of the muscles.

Cold or Heat Therapy

Cold or heat therapy is performed to patients with muscle injuries or body inflammation. Cold therapy is when the therapist uses ice packs on specific body parts which are injured due to sports or accidents. Ice treatment comprises of lotions, cold packs, elevation, compression and ice massage. Heat therapy is performed to heal the injuries and relax the muscles by increasing blood circulation in the body. One example is heat therapy for osteoarthritis where paraffin wax is used.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy requires the use of hands and equipment in reducing pain and inducing relaxation in three important procedures – massage treatment, mobilisation treatment and manipulation. Massage treatment is where the therapist uses his or her hands to apply pressure on the patient’s soft tissues in order to improve blood circulation. Mobilisation treatment is where the therapist pull, push or twist the patient’s bones and joints into a particular position using slow calculated movements. Manipulation is where the therapist performs more vigorous movements in placing the bones and joints back in their normal position.

What to Expect from Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is done in a clinic, hospital or fitness center. In cases where patient is currently immobilised and cannot go to a clinic, physiotherapist can facilitate therapy at home. The first visit will be complete examination followed by the recommendation of the specific therapy treatment.

As you can see, physiotherapy is concentrated on the wellness and physical improvement of the patients so that they can get back to their normal way of life. If you are suffering from body pains which cannot be resolved by prescription drugs, go straight to a top physiotherapist in Prahran area and you will surely experience comfort and relief.