04/02/2020 Physiotherapy is a science-based treatment used to help patients affected by injury, disability, or illness. It encompasses various approaches including rehabilitation, injury prevention, and fitness. Physiotherapists make use of hands-on clinical skills and aid in maintaining health for patients of all ages.
At the core of the treatment is the client’s participation in their own care. This can be achieved through awareness, empowerment, and education. Physiotherapists usually follow a holistic approach. We treat the body as a whole, rather than treating individual illnesses or injuries. We work in tandem with other medical professionals for providing quality treatment.
Patients may be referred for the following conditions:
Cardiorespiratory diseases that affect the heart and lungs
Incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction
Disabilities that arise due to accidents
Conditions (such as cancer) where fatigue, pain and joint stiffness come into play
Women’s health concerns, mainly during pregnancy
Neurological illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis
Acute or chronic orthopedic conditions such as amputations and arthritis
Treatments include:
Personalized exercises designed for improving strength, function, and range of motion
Cold and hot packs that reduce swelling, relieve pain and speed up the healing process
Prescription and application of assistive, supportive, and protective devices
Joint manipulation and mobilization for reducing stiffness and pain
Airway clearance methods for aiding patients with breathing problems
Skin and wound care
Massage therapies
Pain is our body’s normal reaction to an illness or injury. It can be aching or throbbing and cause symptoms such as dizziness. It usually stops when the body heals. Pain can primarily be divided into two:
Acute pains – These acts as alarms, telling us something is wrong. It is caused by a specific factor, which doesn’t usually last more than six months. It is usually associated with sprains, cuts, or trauma caused by surgeries and accidents. While most minor pains are easily treated, some may require intensive therapies or stronger medicines.
Chronic pains – These are pains that continue even after an illness or injury is healed. Some suffer from it even without any past history. With chronic pain, the nervous system may get affected, making the person more sensitive.
Physiotherapists play an important role in pain management, trained to not only treat but identify the source. We specifically look for areas of stiffness or weakness that add stress. Physiotherapists are on the following:
Inflammatory cascades
Peripheral tissue injury
Nociception
Neurophysiology
Immune system
Human emotions
Social health
And more
There are mainly two types of approaches for handling pain in physiotherapy – passive and active. Passive therapy includes:
Heat/ice packs
Manual therapies
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
Dry needling
Cupping
Active therapy includes:
Specific strengthening exercises
Pain relief exercises
Low-impact aerobic conditioning
Movement-based activities
Good body movement is not an added bonus but something that is necessary. Exercising is the way to achieve it. No physical activity is inherently bad or good on its own. They are completely neutral tools to be used by the right person in the right way at the right time. We formulate a personalized and detailed program that helps patients improve their functions and mobility. Parameters will also be mentioned clearly, which will include:
Number of repetitions/sets
Number of times per week/day
Rhythm
Duration
Resistance level
Exercises will be advised for two main goals: maintain or increase the range of motion and lubricate joint surfaces. The exercise types followed in physiotherapy are:
Strengthening exercises - They are advised for mobilizing muscles or stabilizers. Reinforcement can be done hands-free or using dumbbells, pulley systems, and elastic bands.
Stretching exercises - They are done to improve flexibility. The idea is to pull away the insertion and origin of the muscle in question to stretch it. The stretching positions are retained for extended periods for a smaller number of repetitions.
Functional exercises - These should be practised as regular movements (walking, jogging) after the injury. If necessary, you will be asked to do specific exercises at home, at work or during sports.
Proprioception exercises - Proprioception abilities can get impaired when joints are hurt. These exercises can improve your condition as they are mostly based on the concepts of balance.
Cardio-vascular exercises - These include swimming and biking. They are advised for regaining lost movement functionality.
Physiotherapists will advise and instruct you on exercising to ensure a smooth and positive progress. Whether you have been in an accident, suffered an injury or are in a pre- or post –surgery state, we can heal you. Physiotherapists at Clayton Heights Sports & Therapy Center will determine your functional needs and abilities. During an appointment, you can expect us to:
Study your medical history
Assess and diagnose your body condition
Help you set and meet your goals
Create customized treatment plans considering your lifestyle
Prescribe exercises
We provide a variety of other services including chiropractor care and massage therapy. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.