Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a treatment used to help people recover from injuries, surgery, and other related physical damages. It involves various exercises and motions to treat physical disability, pain management, and overall body fitness.
A physical therapist is the healthcare professional who assesses a patient’s physical state and recommends treatment accordingly.
Types of Physical Therapy:
Different forms of physical ailments require therapies from which some of the most prevalent therapies are explained below;
Cardiopulmonary:
As the name implies, cardiopulmonary encompasses the therapies related to the heart and lungs. When a person’s heart suffers from a cardiovascular or pulmonary problem, they are immediately provided with cardiopulmonary treatment.
The cardiac problem can lead an individual towards a high probability of death. However, CPR can potentially save a person’s life if provided promptly and correctly. Cardiopulmonary therapy is used to help patients with heart problems, pulmonary fibrosis, and other disorders besides emergencies like heart attacks.
Neurosurgical Conditions:
If a person suffers from a neurological ailment such as a traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. In that case, a therapist can assist them in overcoming physical conditions induced by the diseases mentioned above. Balance, mobility difficulties, vision impairments, and muscle loss are some other examples of neurosurgical disorders.
As the brain regulates all the body parts (as and when required), it will ultimately damage and stop all other human organs and functions if the brain gets affected. For example, temporary paralysis can be treated with physical therapy and medication. Moreover, physical therapy includes various exercises that strengthen the weak muscles and minimize discomfort.
Pediatric Physical Therapy:
Physical Therapists are specially educated to treat children with developmental delays, genetic disorders, or congenital abnormalities. They help children develop their reflexes, balance, posture, and other physical and mental qualities.
Pediatric therapists frequently guide the parents about developmental exercises such as muscle-stretching and-strengthening exercises and treatment plans for their children. These exercises are critical for improving movement patterns and balance. Children with acute injuries, muscle illnesses, and orthopedic limitations can also benefit from this form of therapy.
Geriatric Physical Therapy:
As you get older, you face more difficulties in physical activities like walking and performing routine activities due to weak muscles. Geriatric physical therapy helps you regain body strength and efficiently and perform day-to-day physical activities.
Physical therapy is especially crucial for persons over 65, as their muscles and joints lose strength and stability. This change may have an adverse effect on an older person’s ability to accomplish daily duties and motions such as changing positions, standing, walking, and moving up and downstairs.
Orthopaedic Therapy:
Orthopedic therapy involves the treatment of muscles and bones. Usually, people require orthopedic therapy after an injury or surgery or an illness affecting the musculoskeletal system. A physical therapist specializing in orthopedics can perform the following activities;
- Choosing the correct movement diagnostic and developing a therapy plan. Therapists frequently share a detailed plan with patients to keep them motivated and informed.
- Administer therapeutic treatment consists of a variety of workouts and therapies.
- Guide the patients about managing their current pain or condition to avoid the injury again.
Benefits of Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy aims to improve the physical functions of the human body while reducing pain and disability. It might help you if you are recovering from an injury or surgery. Therefore, you are advised to choose the physical therapist carefully and consciously as it has the potential to improve your life. The following are some of the advantages of physical therapy.
a. Improve Physical Functions:
Physical therapists help people having certain movement issues by identifying, diagnosing, and treating them. They assist people in preserving or regaining the functions following an injury or surgery. It also helps in the pain management and mobility issues of an individual. For a healthy life, physical function and movement are critical that require proper attention and cure from a professional therapist.
b. Improve Mental Wellness:
As we all know, a sound body makes a sound mind as mental and physical well-being are inextricably linked. People with mental health problems are more likely to develop chronic physical diseases and vice versa. Therefore, a good physical therapist can assist a person in improving their mental health and treatment of depression and other chronic disorders such as heart disease.
Pain Management:
Painkillers can only be used to mask pain, not treat it on a long-term basis. Painkillers also have adverse side effects on the human body, such as sadness, anxiety, stomach problems, etc. So, in order to adequately manage pain, you need to see a physiotherapist and engage in regular physical therapy.
Surgery can be avoided:
Physical Therapy is the best way to avoid surgeries and the costs and risks associated with it. Before going for surgery, you should make an appointment with a certified physiotherapist in your region who can help you avoid surgery. They are experienced enough to handle a variety of chronic diseases and related conditions.
Golden Tips to get best results from Physical Therapy:
- Hire the professional: Find the best therapist in your area with whom you feel comfortable. They will accompany you in the whole disease journey to become physically and mentally fit.
- Know your body: It’s critical to understand your body. Don’t overwork yourself, and don’t lose motivation. You should maintain your homework routine, but follow your therapist’s advice to the letter.
- Keep goals realistic: Make sure your physical therapist understands what your goal is\ to personalize your treatment accordingly. Short-term gains are also essential. Each progress, no matter how minor, should be celebrated. But try to keep your goals realistic.
- Don’t stress your body: Don’t stress your body; try to heal it and improve its functionality. Don’t push yourself too much.
- Learn to manage your pain: It’s vital to stick with your therapy, but you shouldn’t ignore any warning indications your body gives you. Please inquire with your physical therapist about any pain you’re having and guidance on dealing with it.
References:
- https://www.oleanpt.com/library/4299/FiveTypesofPhysicalTherapy.html retrieved on 18 January 2022.
- https://pathways.org/what-is-a-pediatric-physical-therapist/ retrieved on 18 January 2022.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/paralysis#treatment retrieved on 18 January 2022.
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/geriatric-physical-therapy-5189469 retrieved on 18 January 2022.
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-rehab-tips retrieved on 18 January 2022.
