An Introduction to Physiotherapy
From Wiki Physio
Contents |
[edit] Introduction to Physiotherapy
"Physiotherapy is a dynamic profession, which uses a range of treatment techniques to restore movement and function within the body." - Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.U.K
Physiotherapy is a branch of healthcare science that mainly concentrates on the physical aspects of an individual's healthcare, by treating their physical ailments. It works towards this by maintenance and rehabilitation of the individual's physical activity, which is nothing but bringing back the lost activity to near normal perfection. Physiotherapy uses physical agents for the treatment of patients. The following lists are the common physical agents used in Physiotherapy.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association says "Physiotherapy is a health profession concerned with maximizing mobility and quality of life, by using clinical reasoning to select and apply appropriate treatment."
[edit] Different treatment methods in Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist utilizes any of, and mostly a combination of, the following Physical Modalities for treating ailments:
| Forms of Energy | Modalities |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Energy | Exercises & Massage |
| Heat Energy | Heat Modalities |
| Electrical Energy | Electrical appliances used for the treatment |
| Sound Energy | Modality using sound energy |
| Light Energy | Modalities using energy in the form of light |
| Electro-Magnetic Energy | Modality applying electro-magnetic energy |
[edit] Branches of Physiotherapy(MASTER DEGREE)
Physiotherapy is a complex specialty, as it deals with all disciplines of medicine. Development in this field has resulted in a variety of sub-specialization-.
- Musculo-skeletal Physiotherapy
- Cardio-Thoracic Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy in Rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy in Obstetrics
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy in Fitness
- Pediatric Physiotherapy
- Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Application of Physiotherapy in other conditions :Some of them are :
For Psycho-somatic disorders (for pain and aches), Depression in elderly persons, Cancer, Insomnia (sleepless nights).
[edit] Treatment Modes of Physiotherapy
[edit] Manual methods of treatment
- Joint mobilization
- Manual stretching
- Therapeutic exercises
- Soft tissue manipulations
- Sporting and lifting techniques
- Taping
- Bandaging
- Strapping
- Postural drainage
- Aerobics and fitness guidance
[edit] Non-manual methods of treatment
- Short wave diathermy
- Microwave diathermy
- Ultrasound
- Interferential therapy
- Wax bath
- Cryotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Electrical stimulation
- LASER Therapy
- Infrared rays
- Contrast bath
- Hot packs
- Ultra violet rays
- Traction
[edit] Areas to work for Physiotherapist
There are potentially three different areas of practice in Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is often used as complimentay to other treatments but it is prcticed individually as well. The three methods of Physiotherapy treatment, include-
- Physiotherapy in conjunction with medical treatment
- Physiotherapy in conjunction with surgical treatment
- Isolated PhysiotherapyThe various set ups where P.T s can get employed
Clinical, Hospitals, Medical centers, Rehabilitation centers, Sports clinic, Gyms, Specialized schools, Community settings, Work places/companies, Public settings (e.g. Health Malls), Sports club, Schools, Private practices, Academic, In Universities/Colleges which offer courses in health sciences
