Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that helps to restore the normal movement and functioning of body parts which are affected by injury, illness or by any disability.Like other health profession it also relieves the pain, promotes the healing process and prevents the disease but its prime advantage is not adversely affecting the patient like allopathic treatment approach.

The WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION has understood the value of physiotherapy well and it defines physiotherapy as,

“Physiotherapists asses, plan and implement a rehabilitative program that improves or restore human motor function, maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndrome and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases and other impairments”.  

HISTORY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PRESENT STATUS IN INDIA

Since very long time physiotherapy treatment is used as prophylactic and therapeutic agents in various diseases. In China, Egypt and many other countries it was used in the forms of exercise therapy, sauna bath, massage and hydrotherapy to promote health. In ancient India the well known surgeon Sushruta used it in his practice by means of Yoga, Asanas, pranayam, massage and many other ways.

In present India physiotherapy is still in its infancy being just some decades old. Even after its integral role in various health care system it does not get its due recognition.The pioneers of the field has done their part of hard work but much more is still required by younger generation of Indian physiotherapist and Indian government to create awareness and due respect to this profession.

MYTHS RELATED TO PHYSIOTHERAPY

1.     It is all MASSAGE only!

No it’s definitely not.

2.     It is treatment by MACHINES only!

Electrotherapy modalities or MACHINES are only a part of physiotherapy treatment & not all.

3.     It is all about EXERCISE!

No, it’s obviously NOT.

4.     It just for PATIENTS!

Actually Physiotherapy has lot to offer normal as well as diseased person.

5.     It’s for SPORTS like athletes and players!

     As told earlier, it has much to offer to anyone.

USES & BENEFITS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy treatment is curative, preventive and rehabilitative also. It is the treatment that is needed before and after major surgeries. It not only deals with the passive treatment of the patient .However it involves the active participation of the patients which helps in boosting up the confidence of the patient.It helps in treating the conditions whose treatment is not even possible by any advanced medical therapies.

BRANCHES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

• ·        Orthopedic physiotherapy deals with the treatment of musculoskeletal ailments.
• ·        Cardio pulmonary physiotherapy deals with the treatment of cardio respiratory problems.
• ·        Neurological physiotherapy specializes in the treatment of persons having neurological impairments.
• ·        Pediatric physiotherapy deals with the treatment of infants, children and adolescents having congenital, developmental, skeletal, neuromuscular or acquired disorder.
• ·        Industrial physiotherapy deals with work related   ergonomic and safety measures and guidance on work positions.
• ·        Sports physiotherapy concerned with sports injuries
• ·        Geriatric physiotherapy deals with common are related problems in elderly.
• ·        Obstetric physiotherapy deals with antenatal and postnatal management.

Yes it is a magical therapy which can ambulate the patients ranging from an year old disabled child , an bilateral lower limb amputee, a paralyzed bed ridden patient to a 80 year old  geriatric patient. It can also add few year of functional life in cancerous patient.Not only it restores the functional capabilities but also improves the quality of life