Physiotherapy is a branch of healthcare science that mainly concentrates on the physical aspects of an individual's healthcare, by treating their physical ailments.
It works towards this by maintenance and rehabilitation of the individual's physical activity, which is nothing but bringing back the lost activity to near normal perfection.
Physiotherapy uses physical agents for the treatment of patients.
TREATMENT MODALITIES
A physiotherapist utilizes any of, and mostly a combination of, the following Physical Modalities for treating ailments:
BRANCHES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY (MASTER DEGREE)
Physiotherapy is a complex specialty, as it deals with all disciplines of medicine. Development in this field has resulted in a variety of sub-specialization.
§ MUSCULO-SKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
§ CARDIO-THORACIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
§ NEUROLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
§ PT IN REHABILITATION
§ PT IN OBSTETRICS
§ SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
§ PHYSIOTHERAPY IN FITNESS
§ PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
§ ORTHOPAEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
APPLICATION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN OTHER CONDITIONS
Ø Psycho-somatic disorders (for pain and aches)
Ø Depression in elderly persons
Ø Cancer
Ø Insomnia (sleepless nights)
TREATMENT MODES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
MANUAL METHODS OF TREATMENT
§ Joint mobilization
§ Manual stretching
§ Therapeutic exercises
§ Soft tissue manipulations
§ Sporting and lifting techniques
§ Taping
§ Bandaging
§ Strapping
§ Postural drainage
§ Aerobics and fitness guidance
NON-MANUAL METHODS OF TREATMENT
§ Short wave diathermy
§ Microwave diathermy
§ Ultrasound
§ Interferential therapy
§ Wax bath
§ Cryotherapy
§ Hydrotherapy
§ Electrical stimulation
§ LASER Therapy
§ Infrared rays
§ Contrast bath
§ Hot packs
§ Ultra violet rays
§ Traction
AREAS TO WORK FOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
There are potentially 3 different areas of practice in Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is often used as complimentary to other treatments but it is practiced individually as well.
The 3 methods of Physiotherapy treatment, include -
1) Physiotherapy in conjunction with medical treatment
2) Physiotherapy in conjunction with surgical treatment
3) Isolated Physiotherapy
In Isolated Physiotherapy : The various set ups where P.T s can get employed
§ Clinical
§ Hospitals
§ Medical centers
§ Rehabilitation centers
§ Sports clinic
§ Gyms
§ Specialized schools
§ Community settings
§ Work places / companies
§ Public settings (e.g. Health Malls)
§ Sports club
§ Schools
§ Private practices
§ Academic
§ In Universities which offer courses in health sciences