When is physiotherapy used

 

When is physiotherapy used

Physiotherapy can be useful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems that affect:

Bones, joints, soft tissues: such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries.

Brain or nervous system: such as movement problems caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease.

Heart and circulatory system: such as rehabilitation after a heart attack.

Lungs and breathing: such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.

Physiotherapy is provided by specially trained and organized Practitioners called physiotherapists.

What is the work of a physiotherapist

A physiotherapist looks at the body as a whole, rather than focusing only on individual aspects of an injury or illness.

Some of the main methods used by a physiotherapist include:

Education and advice:

A physiotherapist can give general advice on things that can affect everyday life, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries.

For example, if a patient has back pain, he may be given advice on good posture, correct lifting or carrying techniques and avoiding inappropriate sprains, overstretching or standing for a long time.

Tips on movement, specially designed exercises and physical activity:

Exercise may be recommended to improve overall health and mobility and to strengthen certain parts of the body, this may include:

Exercises designed to improve mobility and strength in a certain part of the body and usually the patient needs to repeat them regularly for a specified period of time.

Activities that involve moving the whole body, such as walking or swimming, as these activities can help if the patient is recovering from surgery or an injury that affects his movement.

Exercises performed in shallow warm water (hydrotherapy) where water can help relax and support muscles and joints while providing resistance to help joints gradually become stronger.

Tips on using mobility aids such as crutches or a walking stick to help the patient move.

The physiotherapist may also recommend exercises that can be continued to be done to help the patient with.