What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy,

                                                                 What physiotherapists do

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle.At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care,through education, awareness, empowerment andparticipation in their treatment.

                                                    Why physiotherapy important?

Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession. Physios

use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

 Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's)

 Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated

disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)

 Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart

attack)

 Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic

fibrosis).

Physiotherapists work in a variety of specialisms in health and social care. Additionally, some physiotherapists are involved in

education, research and service management.

Why do we need physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient's mobility, function, and well- being. Physiotherapy helps through physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness. Physiotherapists get you involved in your own recovery.

                                    Responsibilities of a physiotherapist

working with patients with a variety of conditions,

sometimes over a period of weeks or months.

 diagnosing, assessing, and treating problems.

 encouraging exercise and movement.

 advising patients on leading a healthy lifestyle.

 keeping reports on patients and their progress.

Methods used in Physiotherapist

Electrotherapy

What Is Electrotherapy In Physiotherapy?

Electrotherapy is a method of medical treatment that uses electric current to the affected areas. It is mostly used by experienced physiotherapists to treat a variety of conditions ranging from muscle pain to arthritis. 

This treatment option is useful for treating chronic pain, muscle wasting, musculoskeletal injuries, and nerve pain by using targeted and controlled electrical stimulation.

Benefits Of Electrotherapy In Physiotherapy

Though there are plenty of electrotherapy treatments using various devices, they are non-invasive and have minimal to no side effects. Other than these, electrotherapy offers several key benefits which are

listed below:

Reduces body pain

 Alleviates nerve pain

 Accelerates healing of musculoskeletal injuries

 Increases blood circulation in the body

 Heals wounds

 Relaxes muscle spasms

Types Of Electrotherapy In Physiotherapy

Electrotherapy is very useful in conditions where medications are not effective. It can vary as per the patient’s condition and needs. The common forms of electrotherapy that the physiotherapists use are as

follows: 

 TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve

Stimulation): In TENS electrotherapy, a small electrical device is used to deliver electrical impulses through the skin. Common conditions that can be treated through this are lower back pain, labour pain, and arthritis. 

 Interferential Therapy: Also known as IFT, this is a deeper form of TENS electrotherapy and uses two high-frequency currents. It is effective in pain relief,muscle stimulation, and blood circulation.

 Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): In this type of electrotherapy, the physiotherapist focuses on the muscle tissues instead of nerves.

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

(PENS): PENS involves the application of electrical stimulation through small needles that penetrate the skin. It can also be used at home and is more beneficial than TENS. 

 Therapeutic Ultrasound: This form of electrotherapy in physiotherapy uses a transducer instead of electrode pads. The benefits of therapeutic ultrasound include the healing of muscles and ligaments and the healing process.