Physiotherapy : Introduction
Physiotherapy alias physical therapy, one of the fastest-growing allied
area of medicine, is the system of treatment of disease and disability
using physical exercises. It is the most important rehabilitative service
needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical
profession, integral to the treatment of most patients.
Physiotherapy may be defined as a science that seeks to improve movement
dysfunction, promote optimal health and functions of the human body. Physiotherapy
helps in optimal functioning of the body. It involves the assessment,
maintenance, restoration of the physical function and performance of the
body and is strongly recommended for people with degenerative disorders,
the physically challenged, sportspeople and those suffering from arthritis
and neurological disorders. This preventive and remedial procedure is
very often used as a supplement with oral medicines. It could also include
heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy, traction and other
procedures.
Physiotherapists are as essential as doctors in helping recover and rehabilitate
a patient from a state of incapacity, due to genetic defect or the result
of an accident or an illness. They must have a thorough knowledge of the
human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move. Physiotherapists
treat a wide range of ailments, so specialisation is possible in areas
such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy,
neurology, clinical electrophysiologic and cardiopulmonary therapy.
The job of a physiotherapist, which is preventive, restorative and rehabilitative,
is challenging but lucrative at the same time. They are qualified to perform
a history and physical examination, conduct assessments to determine a
diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to
treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat
a patient. Some of the them are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical
nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical
Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. Although the work of
a physiotherapist may tend to be physically very strenuous as it involves
physically lifting and supporting patients, their profession brings with
it much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and
helping them recover from specific physical ailments.
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