PHYSIOTHERAPY: A NEW HORIZON TO MODERN MEDICINE
Updated: Jun 7, 2019
With more moving parts than any other machine, it is not surprising that your body occasionally cries out in pain or refuses to do what you tell it. There are hundreds of different muscles and joints that can go wrong. Fortunately, there is an effective way to treat many of the problems you may experience – Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy Treatment is provided for a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions. Injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, at work, and in day-to-day activities are managed through a comprehensive assessment to establish a clinical diagnosis and implementation of an appropriate treatment program. Neck and back strains, headaches, joint sprains and strains,fractures, sports injuries, soft tissue injuries are treated. Treatment can also be given for prolonged pain, neurological injuries such as acquired brain injuries and strokes, and individuals
who have sustained multiple trauma.
Sports medicine is a branch of physiotherapy specializing in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of injuries related to participation in sports and/or exercise.
Physiotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential, helping to repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness. Physiotherapists also have an important role in rehabilitation, such as helping people who have had strokes to relearn basic movements. Physiotherapists do not simply offer treatment - their advice can help you prevent problems returning or even happening in the first place. Physiotherapy may be of benefit to everyone from infancy to extreme old age. Individualized treatment may involve manual mobilizations, and appropriate pain modalities (laser, inferential current, ultrasound, paraffin wax, T.E.N.S., heat and cold). Exercise programs are designed utilizing medically adapted strengthening equipment consisting of pulleys and a universal weight machine, and conditioning equipment of treadmill, stationary bicycle, rower, and stepper. Balance and proprioception retraining is facilitated through use of the profitter, BOSU ball, balance board, balance stones, and mini-tramp. Self-maintenance is promoted through education in home programs and instruction in prevention
After Surgery
Many people first encounter a physiotherapist post-operatively, particularly following
orthopedic surgery. An exercise regime and other treatments can greatly assist following a fracture or joint replacement and valuable help with walking or mobilizing a damaged upper limb can also be offered.
People suffering with other musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, spinal problems, joint or muscle pain, arthritis, etc. are treated in a variety of ways including exercises, mobilizations, manipulation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and electrotherapy. Many receive treatment at out patient clinics, while outreach physiotherapists visit people at home if they are unable to travel. Many other post-operative patients are also greatly aided by physiotherapy. Specialist areas of work include intensive care, high dependency and urology but any surgery requiring a general anesthetic may adversely affect the respiratory system, so an early visit from a physiotherapist
can help prevent chest problems after surgery. Physiotherapists also work with those with vascular conditions and, when amputation is involved, regular physiotherapy sessions can help all ages to learn to lead normal, active lives with their prosthetic limbs.
For some people, physiotherapy is something that happens once in a lifetime; for others it is an ongoing process covering weeks, months and even years. Whether as a pain reliever, a mobiliser or simply an advisor, the physiotherapist has much to offer.
