Physiotherapy is a practical profession based on a scientific knowledge, makes use of physical therapy methods to rehabilitate the patients after an accident, injury or an operation, or as a result of an illness or degenerative disease.
The emphasis is not only on the treatment of patients but preventative and educational programmes are essential aspects of the role of the physiotherapist. The tools of healing used by the physiotherapist include the hands, mechanical and electrical machines and natural elements like heat and cold.
The physiotherapist is an important member of the medical team assisting in the alleviation of pain, restoration to good health and enhancement of function for patients of all ages.
If it is not possible for the patient to return to a full normal way of life, physiotherapy assist in rehabilitation of the patient to a full-life within the restrictions of his disability.
In addition to the physical treatment of injury and disease, the physiotherapist is responsible for education, extending from the patient and his care-givers, to groups such as health care workers in the community, or industrial workers or schools.
What can physiotherapy help for?
Almost any condition that affects muscles, joints or nerves.
Common problems include:
- Painful Condition of Arthritis
- Back and neck, including whiplash
- Problems affecting children , including Cerebral Palsy
- Pregnancy-Related symptoms e.g. stress incontinence and back pain
- Upper limb and work Related problems, also known as Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Asthma and other breathing difficulties
- Sports Injuries
- Stroke Rehabilitation and other Neurological Problems
What does physiotherapy treatment involve?
Physiotherapists will assess a condition, diagnose the problem and help the patient to understand what is wrong before commencing with the treatment. They will work with a patient to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your lifestyle, leisure and sports activities and general health. A physiotherapist will also advise on how to help yourself by giving you exercises, stretches or other treatments to do in between sessions.
Treatment include:
- Exercise Programmes designed to improve mobility and strengthen the muscles.
- Massage And Soft tissue mobilization
- Dry Needling.
- Joint Manipulation and Mobilization to reduce pain and stiffness.
- Muscle Re-Education.
- Hot and Cold packs and Electrotherapy to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up healing process, improve movement and increase functional abilities.
- Airway Clearance techniques and breathing exercises to assist a variety of breathing difficulties.
- Rehabilitation to full function and recovery.
- Advice and education.
The physiotherapist will evaluate the patient‘s progress at regular intervals while modifying Treatment and Goals and as and when necessary.
The physiotherapist will also work to help the patient to learn to prevent and manage the condition over longer term for the patient’s well being at all stages of life.