Physiotherapy uses a range of techniques and approaches to improve the overall physical well-being of those suffering from some kind of movement disorder, injury or disease. Following the assessment of your physical condition, the physiotherapist may devise a treatment plan taking into account one or a combination of the following therapies:
Massage & manipulation:
This involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues by using the movement of hands. It is considered to be one of the most effective forms of physiotherapy and is suitable for people of all ages. It is used for the purpose of:
> Improving blood circulation around the body
> Effective draining of fluids from parts of the body
> Enhancing the movement of different parts of the body
> Relieving pain & helping the body relax
This technique is most effective when it comes to treating pain, aches & movement disorders in the neck, shoulder and back area; and curing headache and stress-related issues.
Movement & exercises:
A comprehensive exercising program is an essential part of physiotherapy that people are often recommended to undergo while recovering from an injury or looking to improve their balance or speed of movement. As per the diagnosis, specific exercises are incorporated in the treatment plan to help you recover safely.
The purpose of these exercises is to strengthen your muscles & joints area, improve control, better the overall range of movement and prevent further or recurring injury. For example, a combination of gentle exercises like walking or swimming may be recommended to someone who is recovering from an injury that may have affected their overall mobility. Similarly, for someone who must have had a stroke or an attack due to which they were facing paralysis or difficulty in moving a limb, exercises targeting that specific area would be recommended.
Energy-based therapy:
Also known as electrotherapy, it uses different types of energies such as currents or impulses to stimulate the nervous system. The electric impulses make the muscles tighten which in turn helps ease out pain and stress from the body, thereby, promoting effective healing.
Energy-based therapies are completely pain-free and one may experience a bit of tingling sensation while undergoing them. Their types include:
- > TENS- The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine delivers an electric current to stop your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain and encourage the release of endorphins.
- > Ultrasound– High-frequency sound waves treat deep tissue injuries by stimulating blood circulation and cell activity. It is thought to help reduce pain and muscle spasm and speed up the healing process.
- > Laser therapy– This therapy helps reduce pain and muscle spasms. It is thought to be most effective in treating tendon conditions, although studies have shown that it may not be as effective as other types of energy-based therapies.
- > Shortwave diathermy– An electromagnetic field generates heat within your body’s tissues. This is thought to help reduce inflammation, strengthen tissues and reduce pain.
Hydrotherapy:
It is a form of therapy that is carried out in water. The water temperature is usually kept between warm to hot to help the muscles relax and relieve pain. A special hydrotherapy bath is prepared in which the weight of the water pushes against your body while you are floating or performing the exercises. It helps stimulate proper blood flow in the body and reduce pain.
Pediatric physiotherapy:
It is the branch of physiotherapy that aims at helping children and young people with developmental issues and physical problems. A child may be faced with movement difficulty due to a range of conditions, which may include but is not limited to:
– Cerebral Palsy
– Development Delay
– Developmental Co-ordination Disorder
– Neuromuscular Conditions
– Acquired Brain Injury
– Down’s Syndrome
Post the diagnosis of the problem, proper assessment of the condition and long-term impact of the treatment; a customised plan is devised and incorporated into the child’s everyday activities. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program and help their child make the most of his/her growth years, reach their potential and transition into adult life with ease.
Neurological physical therapy:
For conditions related to the spinal cord or those suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or any other form of brain injury; physical exercises can have a significantly positive impact. By performing therapeutic exercises regularly, you can reduce the impact of neurological disorder from spreading further in the system and improve your body movement and coordination.
Cardiovascular physical therapy:
If one is facing problems with the heart or circulation of blood and oxygen in the system, a cardiopulmonary physical therapy can help get rid of problems like heart attack and pulmonary fibrosis; grow strength in key muscles and improve your endurance in the long run.
