Physiotherapy can be defined as the physical rehabilitation process based on medical science and human health to support an individual in movement restoration. It acts as an alternative medication that considers the dysfunctional organs affected by chronic illness, injury or any disability. The necessity of substitute medication in terms of physical therapy, meditation and healing has been recognized and well accepted throughout the world. Matter of fact, in healthcare facilities, slow progressing patients are mostly treated and cured through varied therapy programs apart from traditional medicinal.
The process of physiotherapy consists of assessment, diagnosis and treatment by means of physical therapy, movement, massage and counseling. The practitioners or physical treatment providers are known as physiotherapists who need to undertake necessary training concerning restorative management. The whole idea of physiotherapy remains within the domain of traditional medical science. In physiotherapy, depending upon the type of problem and acuity of a diseased person, the evaluation, diagnosis and curative methods may vary to a great extent.
The process of Physiotherapy
As stated above, determination of treatment method has two steps behind, which are evaluation and diagnosis.
Evaluation and Analysis
The foremost step in physiotherapy curriculum should typically begin with evaluation and analysis whereas practitioners need to consider the difficulties of a patient. In understanding the problematic areas, apart from a physical assessment, review and appraisal of patient’s medical case history is most significant. Symptoms observation, examination of physical status and history base are the primary factors that influence on patient’s assessment. Necessity of diagnostic tests depends upon the issue; however, it supports a therapist to administer an effective therapeutic plan.
Diagnosis
On completion of assessment and its analysis, a therapist can determine the actual problem and diagnose the issue. Such problems may be linked with damaged muscles, nerves, blood capillaries and cells and result in soreness as well inflammation occurring deficient mobility.
Treatment
Treatment method entirely depends upon the findings during evaluation and diagnosis. According to patient’s necessity, a physical therapist may decide to employ different remedial methods or physio therapeutic management. Chiefly, the procedures are Neurological therapy, related with brain, nervous system and spinal cord damages issues; Musculoskeletal therapy, concerning arthritis, back pain and tissue injuries; Respiratory therapy related to chronic cardiac-pulmonary troubles, fibrosis cyst and asthma, and Cardiovascular therapy associated with chronically affected heart or post-stroke effects. While these are the main areas, inventive methods of physiotherapy are coming up with new hopes.
Common Physiotherapy Techniques
Manual physiotherapy
Manual physiotherapy is provided through soft and flexible massage of affected or referral tissues, mild mobilization of joints, manipulation of localized ligaments and muscle stretching. Manual therapy is found highly effective in improving circulation of blood, movement of limbs, draining fluids especially from joints and alleviate pain.
Exercise and Drills
Few exercises or drills may be employed to reinstate and revitalize muscles, hinge joints, bones and sinews. The combination of manual therapy and exercises are too supportive, subsequent to any injury or illness causing disability. The type of exercises varies according to specific needs of patients as reviewed and decided. As body organs begin responding to therapy, effective improvement and progression is found. The rate of development is reviewed on a regular basis and further changes or modifications may be advised as per need.
Counseling
In modern medical science, educating patients and counseling are given a special importance in healthcare facilities or rehabilitation centers. It is considered as the greatest tools since patients’ ignorance on causing issues hamper to execute an effectual treatment method. Hence, counseling and providing necessary education to patients and their family members is vital. The process facilities a patient to determine the issues and eventually their active cooperation offers an optimum recovery and success.
Additional Physiotherapy Approaches
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the traditional medical therapy in which sterilized needles are pressed and pricked in specific body organs and points in a human body to lessen and improve health troubles. The technique provides magical improvement especially in chronic pain and modulating weaker or dysfunctional body parts. Administering a combination of acupuncture and other therapy techniques are often employed to have a better result.
Use of Electrical Nerve Timulant Mechanism
Popularly known as TENS, the small battery operated device is utilized to deliver electric current onto the affected parts and feeble organs to bring back their sensation. The itchy waves produced from electrical nerve stimulation machine can even restrain the brain paining signal.
Ultrasound
The microprocessor based ultrasound devices produce high-frequency sound waveforms and penetrate deeply through tissue damages and stimulate blood flow resulting enhanced sect activity. Often, sound waves play a great role in alleviation of prolonged pain and reinstate muscle flexibility.
Hydrotherapy
As the name implies, such physiotherapy is performed in water. The healing process can be carried out in water-tab usually in warm water, in low swimming puddle or may be in a technically developed hydrotherapy pool. Hydrotherapy can be employed for children, adults and elderly patients and in many cases it can produce miracle result in bettering circulation of blood and relaxing muscles.
Conclusion
Most of the countries require physiotherapists to acquire state approved training course from any accredited institute or college enabling them to become certified physical therapists. Modern physiotherapy encompasses a wind ranging area in healthcare industries while critical diseases are also taken care.