Essentially, physiotherapy aims to restore the movement and function of patients affected by injury, illness, and disability.
Physiotherapists use manual therapy, exercise and movement, and education and advice to achieve the results they desire.
Significance
Physiotherapists use their knowledge and skills to help improve conditions associated with different systems of the body like:
- Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)
- Cardiovascular (rehabilitation after a heart attack, chronic heart disease)
- Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s)
- Neuromusculoskeletal (arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, whiplash associated disorder)
Techniques
Physiotherapists considers all the parts of the body as opposed to merely focusing on the individual aspects of the disease.
Some of the techniques commonly used in physiotherapy includes:
Education and Advice
Physiotherapists give guidance and advice on things that can affect the day-to-day activities of the patient (i.e. proper posture, correct lifting and carrying techniques, etc.)
Tailored exercises, physical activity, and movement advice
Exercises that can improve mobility, general health, and strengthen specific body parts may be taught by physiotherapists.
Manual therapy
Physiotherapists make use of their hands to relieve pain and stiffness and promote better body movement.
Other techniques like hydrotherapy and acupuncture may also be recommended.
Education and Advice
Physiotherapy uses a holistic approach.
That means it not only provides general advice like adapting the right exercise regimen, maintaining a healthy weight, etc. but it also provides guidance on improving the total well-being of the patient which is considered an integral part of the treatment.
Movement and Exercises
Physiotherapists may also recommend movement and exercises that can help improve mobility and function.
This can include the following:
- Exercises designed to increase physical activity will be taught. The importance of staying active will also be taught. Likewise, techniques on how to safely and effectively carry out the exercises will be provided.
- Activities that involve moving the entire body like walking, swimming, and other exercises will be taught to help those that are recovering from an operation that affects mobility and those recovering from injury.
- When needed, patients are provided with mobility aids (i.e. crutches and walking sticks) to help them move around more efficiently.
- Patients will also be taught exercises that are designed to enhance movement of specific parts of the body. In most cases, exercises of this nature need to be routinely repeated for a set length of time.
- Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy will also be taught when needed as it will not only provide the much needed support and relaxation for the muscles, it will also provide the resistance needed while healing.
Manual Therapy
In essence, manual therapy is the technique physiotherapists use to mobilize, manipulate, and massage the body’s tissues.
Manual therapy helps in:
- Relieving stiffness
- Alleviating pain
- Promoting blood circulation
- Improving the movement of different body parts
- Promoting relaxation
Physiotherapy can also be used to effectively assist patients as they get back to their routine activities after an operation.
The common post-operative physiotherapy interventions often involve breathing exercises, circulatory exercises, and early mobilization.
Mobilization
The significance of early mobilization cannot be overstated.
For starters, it helps significantly minimize post-operative complications, ensuring quick recovery and timely hospital discharge is achieved.
A physiotherapist may also recommend stair assessment when needed to help gradually increase mobility.
Circulation
Ensuring proper blood circulation after surgery is significant in order to ensure likely complications like deep vein thrombosis are avoided.
To help promote blood circulation, certain exercises will be taught.
The exercises can be performed while in a chair or bed and will need to be repeated at least every 2 hours.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are taught in order to minimize chest infection complications.
These exercises are carried out at least 3 to 5 times each day and are done while sitting upright.
Some of the breathing techniques that will be taught include:
- Deep breathing
- Breathing control
- Forced expiration technique
If you need the expert help and guidance of a physiotherapist, please visit www.bjios.sg.
