Physiotherapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing.

Physical therapy involves the interaction between physical therapist, patients/clients, other health professionals, families, caregivers and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists.

Physiotherapists can help patient in following process –

• Undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the patient/client or needs of a client group
• Evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make clinical judgments regarding patients/clients
• Formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and plan
• Provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients/clients need to be referred to another healthcare professional
• Implement a physical therapist intervention/treatment programme
• Determine the outcomes of any interventions/treatments
• Make recommendations for self-management

Common Physiotherapy Treatments

Physiotherapy is quite effective to speed up the healing process for patients with amputations, strains in the spine, arthritis or who underwent any sort of medical operation.

Some of the common treatments involved in physiotherapy department of Sparsh include:

Electrotherapy

It is a type of energy-based physiotherapy technique in which electrical stimulation is delivered with the help of electrodes attached to the skin. Electrotherapy is performed in patients with paralysis and severely reduced range of motion.

Range of Motion Exercises

The body needs adequate rest during the early stages of recovery from surgery or bone injuries, but long periods of immobility may actually lengthen the healing process. Therefore, range of motion exercises are ordered to encourage movement and joint mobility and facilitate circulation. It is also beneficial in preventing muscle atrophy and related postural problems.

Cryotherapy and Heat Therapy

Professional athletes and people with desk jobs often complain of sore and stiff muscles. In such a case, application of heat or cold to the affected areas can relieve them of muscle tightness anywhere on their body. In heat therapy, hot packs or paraffin wax are applied. Cryotherapy may involve an ice massage or application of ice pack.

Soft Tissue Mobilisation

It is also known as therapeutic massage and can help in relaxing the muscles and reduce the swelling in certain areas. Soft tissue mobilisation is an excellent technique to treat the pain associated with athletic injuries. It also helps in ensuring adequate blood circulation, lymph flow and reducing swelling around the inflamed joints.

Kinesio Taping

In this physiotherapy treatment, a Kinesio tape is applied to the skin to stabilise the joints and muscles while the patient undergoes treatment. Moreover, the Kinesio tape doesn’t obstruct any movement during the range of motion exercises.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

It involves the utilisation of sound waves to treat injuries in the body. The sound waves are absorbed by ligaments, tendons and fascia and can relieve a person suffering from arthritis, muscle strains and tendonitis