Physiotherapy and its treatment methods
Physiotherapy is a therapy that uses physical methods like exercise, manipulation and massage to treat disorders and disabilities that result from injury, aging or disease. Physiotherapy is provided by trained health professionals who maintain and restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and disease prevention by educating the patients.
Physiotherapy helps to improve the quality of life by alleviating pain and reducing the effects of any dysfunction. It helps in improving patients' ability to move and perform functional activities. Physiotherapy also uses technology to regain muscle strength and joint mobility.
Treatment Methods and Techniques Used
Physiotherapists are medical professionals and can prescribe medications. They are trained to diagnose injuries and disabilities through ultrasound, X-rays and CT scans. For treatment, they use various techniques and methods.
Movement and exercise: In physiotherapy, a range of exercises and movements are prescribed to restore muscular and skeletal functioning and joint mobility. These exercises are simple and easy to follow at home. The aim is to strengthen the muscles and joints and to balance coordination.
Manual therapy: It is the specialised movement of hands to boost tissue flexibility and joint mobility to minimise pain, swelling, inflammation and movement restrictions. Manual therapy is often applied to patients who developed disability after some injury or accident.
Hydrotherapy: In this technique, exercise is done in a pool of shallow water. The temperature of the water is usually maintained at 33-36ºC. Exercising underwater supports the body weight and helps in the movement of muscles and joints without stressing them. Moreover, warm water helps in muscle relaxation. This technique is offered to patients with rheumatological, orthopaedic and neurological disorders.
Dry needling: In dry needling or trigger point injections, fine needles are inserted into the skin at different myofascial trigger points (points related to generation and control of pain). Dry needling is used for the treatment of muscular pain and dysfunction of skeletal and connective tissues.
Ultrasound: In this technique, ultrasound heat waves are used for deep heating the soft tissues, which increases blood circulation and promotes healing. Non-thermal ultrasound energy is used for wound healing. Ultrasound waves are used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, tendonitis, ligament injuries and joint tightness.
Traction: This is a non-surgical technique to stretch and distract the spine discs. This technique is used to treat herniated and degenerated discs and pinched nerves.
Physiotherapists can work with other medical professionals to improve patients' health. Some of the areas include orthopedics, neurology, autoimmune, sports and athletics.
Physiotherapy is a science-based study that is used by many patients, but this field requires more research and practice.
If you need physiotherapy, contact a local clinic.
