physiotherapy consultation

Physiotherapy is described as a method of treatment that encompasses rehabilitation, injury prevention, healing and promotion of holistic fitness. It primarily focuses on the science of movement to address underlying physical issues caused due to injury or disability and help people in restoring, maximising & maintaining their physical strength and vigour. Using a combination of proven techniques and evidence-based natural methods like exercises and a range of massages, a physiotherapist aids in diagnosing the disorder and suggest a treatment plan best suited to improve the patient’s physical well-being and restore them back to normalcy.

One of the main reasons why people seek physiotherapy is to find lasting relief from pain that could have been bothering them for a prolonged period of time and restricting their mobility due to a number of factors. Whether the pain or discomfort is due to an injury, frozen shoulder, wrong posture, or some other external factor; physiotherapy not only helps in the management of pain & improving mobility but also recognises warning signs and prevent them from happening. Thus, saving the patient from added pain of injury associated downtime.

Types of physiotherapy treatments

Physiotherapy uses a range of techniques and approaches to improve the overall physical well-being of those suffering from some kind of movement disorder, injury or disease. Following the assessment of your physical condition, the physiotherapist may devise a treatment plan taking into account one or a combination of the following therapies:

Massage & manipulation:

 This involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues by using the movement of hands. It is considered to be one of the most effective forms of physiotherapy and is suitable for people of all ages. It is used for the purpose of:

>  Improving blood circulation around the body

>  Effective draining of fluids from parts of the body

>  Enhancing the movement of different parts of the body

>  Relieving pain & helping the body relax

 

This technique is most effective when it comes to treating pain, aches & movement disorders in the neck, shoulder and back area; and curing headache and stress-related issues.

 

Movement & exercises:

A comprehensive exercising program is an essential part of physiotherapy that people are often recommended to undergo while recovering from an injury or looking to improve their balance or speed of movement. As per the diagnosis, specific exercises are incorporated in the treatment plan to help you recover safely.

 

The purpose of these exercises is to strengthen your muscles & joints area, improve control, better the overall range of movement and prevent further or recurring injury. For example, a combination of gentle exercises like walking or swimming may be recommended to someone who is recovering from an injury that may have affected their overall mobility. Similarly, for someone who must have had a stroke or an attack due to which they were facing paralysis or difficulty in moving a limb, exercises targeting that specific area would be recommended.

 

Energy-based therapy:

Also known as electrotherapy, it uses different types of energies such as currents or impulses to stimulate the nervous system. The electric impulses make the muscles tighten which in turn helps ease out pain and stress from the body, thereby, promoting effective healing.

Energy-based therapies are completely pain-free and one may experience a bit of tingling sensation while undergoing them. Their types include:

 

> TENS- The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine delivers an electric current to stop your nerves from sending pain signals to your brain and encourage the release of endorphins.

> Ultrasound– High-frequency sound waves treat deep tissue injuries by stimulating blood circulation and cell activity. It is thought to help reduce pain and muscle spasm and speed up the healing process.

> Laser therapy– This therapy helps reduce pain and muscle spasms. It is thought to be most effective in treating tendon conditions, although studies have shown that it may not be as effective as other types of energy-based therapies.

> Shortwave diathermy– An electromagnetic field generates heat within your body’s tissues. This is thought to help reduce inflammation, strengthen tissues and reduce pain.

 

Hydrotherapy:

It is a form of therapy that is carried out in water. The water temperature is usually kept between warm to hot to help the muscles relax and relieve pain. A special hydrotherapy bath is prepared in which the weight of the water pushes against your body while you are floating or performing the exercises. It helps stimulate proper blood flow in the body and reduce pain.

 

Pediatric physiotherapy:

It is the branch of physiotherapy that aims at helping children and young people with developmental issues and physical problems.  A child may be faced with movement difficulty due to a range of conditions, which may include but is not limited to:

–          Cerebral Palsy

–          Development Delay

–          Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

–          Neuromuscular Conditions

–          Acquired Brain Injury

–          Down’s Syndrome

Post the diagnosis of the problem, proper assessment of the condition and long-term impact of the treatment; a customised plan is devised and incorporated into the child’s everyday activities. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program and help their child make the most of his/her growth years, reach their potential and transition into adult life with ease.

Neurological physical therapy:

For conditions related to the spinal cord or those suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or any other form of brain injury; physical exercises can have a significantly positive impact. By performing therapeutic exercises regularly, you can reduce the impact of neurological disorder from spreading further in the system and improve your body movement and coordination. 

Cardiovascular physical therapy:

If one is facing problems with the heart or circulation of blood and oxygen in the system, a cardiopulmonary physical therapy can help get rid of problems like heart attack and pulmonary fibrosis; grow strength in key muscles and improve your endurance in the long run.

Posture problem	Back pain, lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, muscle weakness, scapular instability, poor muscle tone, muscle imbalance, hypotonia
Joint pain	Arthritis, osteoporosis, lupus, joint instability, bursitis, degenerative joints, age-related joint ailments
Joint injuries	Sprains & strains in ankle, knees, elbows, shoulder, wrist etc, torn cartilage, degenerated meniscus, joint hypermobility
Recovery from surgery	Hip replacement, ACL Reconstruction, tendon surgery, knee replacement, ligament surgery, spinal cord injury surgery, reconstructive surgery, Post meniscectomy, disc surgery
Soft tissue injuries	Tennis elbow, golfers elbow, whiplash, Achilles tendinitis, back & neck strain, rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis
Bruising/Swelling/Edema	Bruising following sports or any other related injury or surgery, contusions, swollen joints, chronic joint or muscle inflammation, lymphedema
Neuro	Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, TIA, Meningitis, bell’s palsy, GB Syndrome, Myasthenia, muscular dystrophy
Cardio /Pulmonary	Asthma, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Post CABG

location will be the patient residental or office. Physiotherapist will visit with electrotherapy,ultrasound and manual hand skills to cure your disease.Personal treatment assessories such as gloves,theraband,tapping tape etc. should be with patients himself or can be ordered along with physical therapist.