Healthier You with Physiotherapy

Aches and pains, as you know, are a typical part of human experience. It’s common to hear the phrases “ache” and “pain” used interchangeably, but there are actually important distinctions between them. The difference between a dull ache and excruciating pain is minor but important.  

While soreness is uncomfortable, pain is even more so. It’s common after a strenuous workout or any kind of bodily trauma. Many soft tissue aches and pains can be attributed to something rather complex. Physiotherapy uses a holistic approach, which means it treats the patient as a whole rather than just the symptom or condition at hand. This can be very helpful when diagnosing the problem and determining the best course of treatment or management for the patient. 

Physical therapies including massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises are used in physiotherapy, along with a wealth of educational resources and counseling to assist patients better understand their conditions. Your primary care physician may recommend physiotherapy, but self-referral is always an option in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 

If you’ve been referred to physiotherapy for a physical issue and are curious about the process, the physiotherapists who are partners with Sirwiss provide a wealth of information in this article, keep reading. 

What Is Physiotherapy 

When an individual’s mobility and function have been compromised due to accident, sickness, or disability, physiotherapy can help them recover. The possibility of future injury or sickness can be lowered as a result. The patient is actively engaged in their own care, marking a shift toward a more holistic approach. 

Who Is a Physiotherapist? 

Physiotherapists assist people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and counseling. They maintain the health of individuals of all ages, assisting patients in managing suffering and preventing illness. The profession encourages development and facilitates recovery, allowing people to remain in the workforce while promoting their independence for as long as feasible. 

History of Physical Therapy 

Modern physical therapy seems to have originated in Europe during the nineteenth century, when massage and manual muscle therapy were promoted. In the early 20th century, physical therapy methods were used to assess muscle function in polio patients in the United States. Physical therapists designed programs to strengthen muscles whenever possible and assisted polio patients in learning how to use their remaining muscles to perform functional mobility tasks. Approximately at the same time, physical therapists in the United States were trained to assist returning soldiers from World War I; these therapists were known as “reconstruction aides.” 

What to Expect 

A physical therapist assists patients throughout all phases of recovery, from initial diagnosis to restorative and preventative care. Physical therapy may serve as a stand-alone treatment option or as a supplement to other treatments. Others seek out therapy on their own.  

Physical therapists are trained to: 

1. Conduct a physical exam and evaluation of a person’s movement, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and performance, including finding out about their health history 

2. Give a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care with short- and long-term goals 

3. Perform physical therapy treatment and intervention 

4. Give self-management recommendations, including exercises a person can do at home 

In addition to physical manipulation, physical therapy may involve: 

1. Iontophoresis: This uses an electrical current to deliver certain medications, such as topical steroids. This can decrease the presence of inflammation. 

2. Electrical stimulation (e-stim): There are two types of e-stim. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain. By contrast, neuromuscular electrical stimulation works to stimulate muscular motor units to improve muscular engagement. 

3. Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy: These may provide benefits to a range of conditions. 

4. Light therapy: This involves using special lights and lasers to treat certain medical conditions. 

Physical Therapy May Help With  

Depending on their specialty, physical therapists can provide supplementary treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. Physical therapists may not independently and directly treat medical conditions other than pure musculoskeletal disorders, but they work to maximize recovery and educate patients on how to optimize their movement patterns.  

The following conditions may benefit from physical therapy: 

1. Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure 

2. Conditions that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger 

3. Musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders 

4. Neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries 

5. Pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy 

6. Sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow 

7. Female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema 

8. Skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers 

Benefits of Physical Therapy 

Depending on the purpose for treatment, physical therapy may provide the following benefits:  

1. Pain management with reduced need for opioids 

2. Avoiding surgery 

3. Improved mobility and movement 

4. Recovery from injury or trauma 

5. Recovery from stroke or paralysis 

6. Fall prevention 

7. Improved balance 

8. Management of age-related medical problems 

A sports therapist can assist an athlete in maximizing their performance by strengthening specific body parts and teaching them to use their musculature in novel ways. A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can advise patients on the benefits relevant to their medical history and treatment needs. 

Types of Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy comes in many forms, and therapists often choose to specialize. Some of these are: 

1. Orthopedic physical therapy: Muscles, bones, ligaments, fascia, and tendons are all targeted in this approach to healing musculoskeletal trauma. It can help with things like broken bones, sprained muscles, tendonitis, bursitis, chronic illnesses, and post-operative or rehabilitation orthopedics. Joint mobilizations, manual therapy, weight training, mobility exercises, and other modalities may all be used to treat patients. 

2. Geriatric physical therapy: Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance issues, and incontinence can all make it difficult for elderly people to move around and perform daily tasks. The goals of this treatment approach are to improve mobility, lessen discomfort, and raise fitness levels. 

3. Neurological physical therapy: People with neurological disorders can benefit from this, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, MS, PD, SCI, and stroke. Therapeutic interventions may concentrate on enhancing limb response, enhancing movement patterns, controlling tone, enhancing strength, and promoting balance. 

4. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation: Patients undergoing cardiac or respiratory surgeries or who have other similar illnesses can benefit from this. The treatment can help you have more stamina and endurance in your muscles and heart. 

5. Wound care therapy: Improved circulation can assist in ensuring that a healing wound receives enough oxygen and blood. Manual therapies, e-stim, compression therapy, and wound care may all be used in physical therapy. 

6. Vestibular therapy: This is intended to alleviate balance issues caused by inner ear diseases. Vestibular physical therapy consists of a variety of exercises and manual approaches that can assist patients in regaining balance and coordination. 

7. Decongestive therapy: Lymphedema patients, and those suffering from other illnesses where fluid accumulates, can benefit from this. 

8. Pelvic floor rehabilitation: If you suffer from urine or fecal incontinence, urinary urgency, or pelvic pain due to an injury, surgery, or a medical condition, this may assist. 

What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapists that specialize in pediatrics evaluate and treat patients of all ages. Conditions could be: 

1. Developmental delays 

2. Cerebral palsy 

3. Spina bifida 

4. Torticollis 

5. Other conditions that impact the musculoskeletal system 

Physical therapists that specialize in pediatrics help children move more freely, have less discomfort, learn new skills or regain lost ones, and have better or fewer functional limitations as adults. In order to help children become more self-reliant and engaged in their own learning at home and in the classroom, they collaborate closely with the children and their families and caregivers. 

People who have sustained particular injuries, have certain disabilities, or have other health concerns may benefit enormously from physical therapy. A person who is interested in learning more about the advantages of physical therapy should consult with either a physical therapist or another qualified healthcare expert.