Physical therapy, also referred to as physiotherapy, is a scientific health care system that heals through movement. The goal of physiotherapy is to identify, correct and alleviate prolonged or acute movement dysfunction and restore the natural movements of the body.
Physiotherapy can trace its origins to a glorious past well before 3,000 BC. As early as 460 BC, Hippocrates speaks about massage in his works. Thus physiotherapy is one of the oldest healthcare professions in the world today.
Physiotherapy has carved a niche for itself as a leading system of health care that works ? and this is the best part ? without the use of drugs or surgery.
Physiotherapy is both curative and preventive. A qualified physiotherapist is a healer, psychoanalyst and architect rolled into one. As a healer, he advises injured people. As a psychoanalyst he often deals with the trauma and stress related to injury or surgery. Lastly, as an architect he designs the house and workplace of people with special needs so that the patient becomes an independent and fully functional member of the society.
The treatment process includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, treatment and evaluation of the progress of the patient.
A physiotherapist will first conduct a subjective examination of a patients medical history. This is followed by a physical examination
There are three different methods of treatment in physiotherapy. These are:
- Physiotherapy with medical treatment
- Physiotherapy with surgery
- Isolated physiotherapy
Physiotherapy uses a wide range of techniques. Some of the common practices consist of:
Electrotherapy: While in the past the mere thought of applying current to the body was terrifying, today, electric current is modulated at different frequencies and thus has beneficial effects on the body.
Massage and manipulation: Most people who receive physiotherapy treatment are subjected to massage. Different conditions need different kinds of massage. For instance the modality of massage used to improve circulation is different from that needed to help drain fluid from parts of the body, which is different from what is needed for relaxation. Cervical problems, headaches and stress are often treated this way.
Exercise and movement: Lots of diverse exercises help with particular problems. General and gentle exercises like walking and swimming and specific intensive exercises to strengthen particular parts of the body are also included. Exercise helps to strengthen and improve mobility. The physiotherapist will advise the correct method and number of exercises to be performed to achieve results.
Hydrotherapy: This form of physiotherapy is carried out in warm, shallow water or a special hydrotherapy bath. The resistance of the water pushing against the body coupled with exercises help improve circulation, relieve pain and release tension. Physiotherapists also use alternating hot and cold showers, jet sprays, jet massage and whirlpool baths. This helps to stimulate the nerves and stop pain.
Since the aim of physiotherapy is to help the body work better rather than stopping a particular disease or symptom, it is similar to many complementary therapies. It is often used alongside alternative healing techniques like Acupuncture, Kinesiology and Pilates.
