Physiotherapy, treatment of disorders of the muscles, bones, or joints by means of physical agents—heat, light, water, manual and electronic massage, and exercise. Stroke, arthritis, fractures, and nerve damage are common conditions treated. The type of treatment needed is prescribed by a physician and carried out by trained physiotherapists. The therapist attempts to prevent pain or further damage and may also train different muscles to compensate for ones that have been damaged. Whirlpool baths are valuable in treating injuries and chronic inflammatory conditions. Ultrasound and short-wave diathermy may be employed for some disorders. Massage provides stimulation of nerves and prevents muscular atrophy in body areas disabled by paralysis or rheumatic disorders. Active exercises are also prescribed as treatment for various conditions. Physiotherapy is important in sports, not only as part of the conditioning program but also in treating injuries.
Physiotherapy is a science based profession concerned with the health of human movements and functions. Physiotherapists make informed judgments and clinical decisions with the aim of helping people restore and maximize their physical, psychological and social well being. Knowledge in physiotherapy is ever evolving, striving always to improve the understanding of movement by the utilization of solutions drawn from scientifically proven evidence.
Types of physiotherapy :
Physiotherapy is an effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions. It can also help speed recovery after many different types of surgery. Physiotherapists are trained in a range of specialist areas such as paediatrics, sports medicine or women's health. Generally, the three different types of physiotherapy include:
* Musculoskeletal - to treat muscles, bones and joints (also called orthopaedic physiotherapy). Common conditions treated include back pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, bursitis, workplace and sports injuries, problems with posture, incontinence and reduced mobility. Rehabilitation after surgery is also offered.
* Cardiothoracic - to treat disorders of the cardio-respiratory system including asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and to offer rehabilitation after thoracic surgery.
* Neurological - to treat disorders of the nervous system including acquired head injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, and to offer rehabilitation after brain surgery.
A Physiotherapist :
Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.
The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients.
Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They help people of all ages return to normal function after an injury or disease. They also develop individualized treatment programs designed to prevent injury from occurring or to slow the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes.
Increasingly, people are looking to physical therapy as an alternative to surgery or medication - or at least the first step in treatment hoping the other can be avoided. Through massage, exercise, light, heat, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy (water), ultrasound (sound waves), magnetic fields, and more, the physical therapist helps improve a person's use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves.
Variety of problems solved by Physiotherapy :
* Back and Neck pain
* Sports Injuries
* Work related over use problems and accidents
* Fractures and Trauma
* Postural problems including chronic neck/shoulder discomfort
* Headaches
* Joint pain and stiffness including arthritis
* Post Operative rehabilitation, pre & post arthroscopy, including joint replacements and A.C.L. Reconstructions
* Muscle and Ligament tears/strains
* Whiplash
* Sciatica
* Frozen Shoulder
* Ergonomic Advice
* Pregnancy related problems
* Strokes
* Head Injuries
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Parkinsons Disease
* Peripheral Neuropathies
* Balance Problems
