INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOTHERAPY

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOTHERAPY

"Physiotherapy is a dynamic profession, which uses a range of treatment techniques to restore movement and function within the body."

[   Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.U.K   ]

                The aim of physiotherapy is to optimize someone's range of movement and function whilst at the same time reducing pain and preventing recurrence.

Some people may require one or two treatments; others may require longer term rehabilitation.    

Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of physical health, and aims to correct disorders of the musculoskeletal system such as:  

§  Joint Pain

§  Joint Stiffness

§  Postural problems

§  Back and neck pain

§  Sports injuries

§  Ligament sprains

§  Arthritis

§  Nerve injury

§  Whiplash

§  Post-operative problems

§  Muscle weakness

    Using diagnostic skills Physiotherapist provide advice and promote healing by applying techniques such as:

v Joint Manipulation / Mobilization

v Exercise

v Acupuncture

v Postural correction

v Massage

v Electrotherapeutic modalities  

    The purpose of treatment is to restore normal levels of activity and balance within the musculoskeletal system using rehabilitation rather than medication.  

ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC MODALITIES

            Physiotherapists sometimes use electrical devices to stimulate healing and produce pain relief. 

ULTRASOUND

    Ultrasound therapy is ultrasonic waves applied to the body to help increase blood flow to the injured area.

This process aids removal of inflammatory toxins, increases nutritional circulation and assists healing. It does not produce audible sound and is not painful.

INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY

    Interferential therapy involves applying low level alternating currents through the tissues which produces a tingling sensation. These currents stimulate the tissues to decrease pain and swelling.

    It is not painful but is intended to give a strong sensory input to the body.     

PHYSICAL THERAPY

    Physiotherapy also known as Physical therapy is a health care profession, which views human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals.

Physiotherapists identify and maximize movement potential through health promotion, preventive health care, treatment and rehabilitation.

    Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to healthcare, and plays a vital part in pain relief, healing and rehabilitation in most medical and surgical conditions.

Physiotherapists / Physical therapists treat by stimulating natural healing mechanisms without the use of drugs or surgery and to restore the patient to optimum functional ability. 

    The Physiotherapist will assess the nature and actual site of the problem and relate it to the whole patient before making a diagnosis.

    Following full explanation to the patient the most appropriate form of treatment will be undertaken and reviewed at every treatment session.

    Physiotherapy service has its applications in all most all disciplines of modern medicine-

Ø  Orthopedics

Ø  Neurology

Ø  Cardio thoracic

Ø  Oncology

Ø  Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ø  Gerontology [Geriatrics]

Ø  Pediatrics and Neonatology

Ø  General Surgery

Ø  Plastic surgery and Cosmetic surgery

Ø  Dermatology

Ø  Diabetology

Ø  Rheumatology

Ø  Psychiatry

Ø  Sports Medicine

    From the intensive care units now the service is being extended to emergency services as it is proved that Physiotherapy management done at early phase reduces the rehabilitation time in many cases like trauma.

Physiotherapists are now members in field sports injury management medical team. Even in torture victims physiotherapy is found to be inevitable part of rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy is an evidence-based practice and constant developments are going on due to the extensive research works.