Introduction
Physiotherapy treatment can benefit people of all ages. To help patients obtain the best results, physiotherapists combine manual therapy with exercise-based methods.
The advantages of physical therapy are numerous, including improved bodily flexibility and range of motion. Patients with amputations, arthritis, strains (particularly in the spine), or who have undergone any type of medical procedure might also benefit from physical therapy.
A sequence of treatments specific to each patient's needs is used in physiotherapy to assist patients in moving around more easily and leading their daily lives.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a form of medical care that focuses on improving a patient's mobility, functioning and overall health. Physiotherapy is beneficial for healing injuries, physical rehabilitation, and health and fitness.
Physiotherapy can aid pain management, increased mobility and flexibility, strength recovery, and the healing of injuries and illnesses.
Why is Physiotherapy done?
Physiotherapy (PT) uses several techniques including massage, heat therapy, exercises, electrotherapy, patient education, and guidance, to treat injuries, illnesses, or deformities.
Physiotherapists are skilled allied healthcare team members who may treat the disorder using physical techniques while also assisting the patient in enhancing their general quality of life.
Types of physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy
Compared to other activities, sports are physically demanding. The risk of muscle sprains and tendon injuries increases for sports people as a result.
Sports physiotherapists can aid in quick recovery from an injury and improve overall performance. The prevention and treatment of injuries due to involvement in sports and exercise can occur at all ages.
Sports physiotherapists offer recommendations on safe exercise and sport participation. They also favour an active lifestyle to help people improve their quality of life.
Cardiorespiratory vascular Physiotherapy
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is a kind of physical therapy focusing on treating patients with heart and lung conditions and helping them recover. Shortness of breath, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or a decreased capacity for exercise are some of the symptoms that these illnesses might cause.
Cardiopulmonary problems like cardiac arrest and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are treated by this subspecialty in patients.
Physiotherapists manage cardiac rehabilitation facilities and instruct patients on specific exercise forms and resistance training methods that can assist them in enhancing their general quality of life.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Regular treatment sessions and the development of coping mechanisms are the goals of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, which attempts to help patients recover from their conditions more quickly and avoid additional problems.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy treats conditions that influence how the muscles and joints work together while moving.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy is a type of physical treatment that focuses on treating people with neurological issues. Neurological problems result in severe muscle weakness, loss of coordination and balance, muscle spasms, tremors, loss of function, and decreased sensation.
To restore mobility and treat functional diseases arising from the neural and neuromuscular systems, such as multiple sclerosis, sciatica, aneurysm and Parkinson's disease, neurological physiotherapy is used.
The purpose of neurological physical therapy is to aid patients in their recovery and improve their general quality of life. The therapist addresses several body processes, including muscle strength, balance and range of motion. One common aspect of it is stroke physiotherapy treatment.
Orthopaedic physiotherapy
Orthopaedic physiotherapists address some diseases, such as trauma, that damage the bone and joints and cause sprains, back discomfort, and fractures.
After surgery, physiotherapists start using joint mobilisation methods such as electrical stimulation, hot and cold packs, and acupuncture (dry needling).
Once the fractured bone has been treated, physical therapy (PT) can aid in regaining movement, reducing stiffness, and regaining strength in the injured area.
Geriatric Physiotherapy
Age-related changes in muscle mass, reaction times, balance and coordination are common. Many require specialised routines to handle overlapping health conditions.
This subspecialty addresses many age-related illnesses, including osteoporosis and arthritis.
Geriatric physiotherapists advise the elderly on limiting specific motions that can exacerbate pain, improving general mobility, and using various techniques and exercises to minimise pain in their patients.
Issues like loss of motion, arthritis, or Alzheimer's disease can be addressed by geriatric physiotherapy.
Pediatric Physiotherapy
Pediatric physiotherapy provides services to children and adolescents from birth to 25 years of age.
Parents bring their kids to a paediatric physiotherapist to have their injury or condition evaluated. They include posture, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, sensory processing and gross motor function.
Paediatric physiotherapists frequently use manual therapy, hands-on facilitation, instruction, referrals to other experts, and prescribing a home exercise regimen as treatments.
Modes of treatment in physiotherapy
Manual therapy
Physiotherapists use a technique called manual treatment to manipulate and move painful joints by massaging them with their hands.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
A small battery-powered device is used to transmit a weak current through electrodes positioned on the skin's surface in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
The pain in the affected area is temporarily relieved with a TENS unit.
Magnetic therapy
Many types and sizes of electromagnets are readily available, and they can be used independently with the help of a professional. This may reduce the discomfort.
Dry needling and acupuncture
Acupuncture and dry needling involve inserting tiny needles into a specific body part to relieve pain temporarily.
Taping
The application of tape helps the body's natural healing process. With the aid of tape, the skin is lifted away from the connective tissue, creating more space and improving the flow of lymph fluid.
Range of Motion (ROM) exercises
Though rest is often advised in the early stages of recovery from surgery or broken bones, prolonged immobility may slow or hinder the healing process.
Due to this, physiotherapists frequently recommend a range of motion exercises to enhance movement, promote joint mobility and aid with circulation.
Muscle atrophy and associated postural issues can be avoided by regularly moving the affected joints and muscles.
Many healthcare professionals use range of motion (ROM) exercises. For instance, trainees for personal support workers study ROM techniques to help patients with limited mobility increase their flexibility and retain their independence.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves using water as a treatment for arthritis. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, specialised exercises are carried out in the water that ranges in temperature from 33 to 36 degrees Celsius. It includes a variety of strengthening, cardio and stretching exercises.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology is used to treat acute injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other conditions, as well as chronic pain.
Ultrasound machines use low- or high-frequency sound waves to permeate the muscles. This warms the muscles and promotes tissue relaxation. As a result, it helps to relieve muscle spasms and improves circulation in the affected area.
Hot and cold therapy
Ice or heat therapy is a tried-and-true treatment. Heat relaxes the muscles, while ice reduces inflammation. Use ice for any sprains or strains to minimise swelling. On the other hand, apply heat if there is muscle tension without any inflammation.
Cryotherapy, cold packs, nitrogen sprays, and applications of ice can help patients suffering from severe diseases. Physiotherapists use diathermy, ultrasonic waves, hot packs and infrared heat in the treatment of chronic illnesses.
Strengthening programs
Physical therapists run specific programmes and teach their patients how to take care of their own health and physical fitness. The strength, balance, coordination and flexibility of such patients are improved through these strengthening programs.
Health Benefits of Physiotherapy
- Physical therapy (PT) aids individuals with certain mobility issues, which may be congenital (existing at birth), age-related, unintentional or arising due to certain lifestyle changes.
- To reduce unpleasant and mobility-impairing diseases, physiotherapists collaborate with their patients by counselling or guiding them on specific exercises and educating them about specific lifestyle adjustments.
- Physiotherapists can assist patients in resolving their conditions by promoting walking and offering specific mobility aids.
- Physiotherapists' hand massages help patients feel less pain and stiffness by enhancing blood flow and relaxing the affected area. Manual therapy is used to mobilise, modify, and improve the damaged area's functionality.
What are the side effects of Physiotherapy?
Fatigue, muscle soreness and tenderness are possible adverse effects of physiotherapy. These sensations are normal. The damaged area is mobilised, stretched, and strengthened during physiotherapy sessions. However, it's common to feel sore the day after the session.
If the treatment includes controlling the neck or head, moderate headaches or dizziness are possible additional adverse effects of physiotherapy. Some people may experience temporary stiffness or muscle spasms following a physiotherapy session. These side effects are often moderate and should go away on their own in a few days.
Occasionally, physiotherapy can worsen pre-existing diseases or lead to new injuries. Before beginning physiotherapy treatment, it's important to let the physiotherapist know about any existing medical illnesses or injuries one may have.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is an important form of treatment for several diseases and injuries. It is vital to speak with a physiotherapist while a patient is in pain of any kind to determine the best course of action.
Discussing the specific needs with the therapist is essential because there are many different types of physiotherapy treatments available.
FAQs
Is Physiotherapy safe?
Who can benefit from physiotherapy?
Heart and respiratory issues, neurological issues, orthopaedic issues, pediatric and geriatric issues, orthopaedic disorders, etc., can be treated with physiotherapy. Injuries from sporting can also be cured with regular physical treatment.
