Physiotherapy
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a treatment technique based on the science of movement. It helps restore movement and function when a person is affected by injury, illness, or disability. It combines profound information on how the body functions and uses medically proven methods for the treatment and assessment of patients.
What problems does physiotherapy treat?
Physiotherapy can be used to treat problems caused by injury, disease, or disability. Given below are some of the examples:
- Neck and back pain caused by issues in the muscles
- Lung problems such as asthma
- Disability due to heart problems
- Loss of mobility due to brain trauma or diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Pelvic issues, such as bowel and bladder problems
- Problems in the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments
What are the techniques involved in physiotherapy?
Depending on the nature of the problem under treatment, physiotherapists employ different techniques, which are as follows:
Manual manipulation
In manual therapy or manipulation, the physiotherapists use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints to improve circulation, relax overtight or muscles with spasms, and drain fluid from the body.
Electrical Nerve stimulation
It involves delivering small amounts of electric current to affected areas to suppress and block pain signals to the brain. Electrical stimulation is used to repair injured muscles, manipulate nerves, and reduce pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a means of enhancing pain modulation via the stimulation of the brain and spinal cord to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins, melatonin, and serotonin.
Device provision
Device provision involves prescription, fabrication, and application of adaptive, assistive, and supportive devices and equipment.
Functional Testing
Functional testing involves a series of tests that physiotherapists perform to assess the physical abilities of the person.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
Other than helping in the treatment of various conditions, preventive physiotherapy can help maintain a person’s overall wellness. Given below are some of the benefits of physiotherapy:
- Improves overall strength and coordination
- Helps to avoid surgery and sometimes even drugs
- Help managing diabetes and vascular conditions
- Manage age-related issues such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Dementia
- Improves health issues in women that are related to pregnancy, and postpartum care