Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a health care profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. It is concerned with human function and movement, and aims to maximize physical potential and quality of life.
Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to help patients restore, maintain, and improve their physical function and mobility. They work with people of all ages and abilities, from newborns to the elderly, and with a wide range of conditions such as musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders. Physiotherapy is science-based and committed to extending, applying, evaluating, and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery.
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Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for neurological disorders. It aims to restore functional mobility, strength, balance, and coordination in people with neurological conditions that affect their quality of life and ability to move.
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Neurological conditions that can be treated with physiotherapy include:
1. Strokes: Loss of blood supply to the brain.
2. Spinal cord injuries: Damage to part of the central nervous system resulting in loss of movement and control.
3. Traumatic brain injuries: Such as concussion.
4. Multiple sclerosis: A disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord.
5. Parkinson’s disease: A progressive nervous system disorder.
Physiotherapy intervention is tailored to each individual's needs and goals. It typically includes an evaluation of the patient's history, life experiences, and interests, which is used to develop an intervention plan unique to the patient. The intervention plan aims to improve the patient's ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals. Physiotherapy services may include caregiver and family training, adaptive equipment recommendations, and home safety and accessibility assessments.
Here are some examples of applied physiotherapy:
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders: A physiotherapist works with a patient who has a musculoskeletal disorder such as back pain or arthritis. The therapist assesses the patient's condition and develops a treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility ¹.
2. Neurological Disorders: A physiotherapist works with a patient who has a neurological disorder such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. The therapist assesses the patient's condition and develops a treatment plan that may include exercises, gait training, and other techniques to improve mobility and balance.
3. Respiratory Disorders: A physiotherapist works with a patient who has a respiratory disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. The therapist assesses the patient's condition and develops a treatment plan that may include breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and other techniques to improve lung function and reduce symptoms.
4. Cardiovascular Disorders: A physiotherapist works with a patient who has a cardiovascular disorder such as heart disease or stroke. The therapist assesses the patient's condition and develops a treatment plan that may include exercises, gait training, and other techniques to improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of future events.