What is Physiotherapy?

With the ever-evolving world of medicine, physicians are recommending different treatments for specific ailments. Many patients are, therefore, being advised to take up physiotherapy sessions after assessment of their illness.

Physio-sessions have now become a common practice in hospitals and healthcare centers, and there is a need to get familiar with physiotherapy and all it entails. Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that involves the treatment of body diseases, injuries, and disorders using various physical methods that involve exerting physical pressure on the poor parts of the body. Some of these methods for physiotherapy include manual massage, exercise and manipulation rather than the usual medication and surgery.

The words “physiotherapy” and “physical therapy” are often used interchangeably as they mean the same thing. Physiotherapists are practitioners who study the science of movement, including parts of the body such as bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. They master the art of pinpointing the root cause of injuries and how to avert them. Over the years, many people have had the misconception that physiotherapists only deal with sport-related issues and back injuries. Contrary to that, these professionals provide treatment for patients suffering from complications brought about by diseases, injuries, and aging. They are dedicated to restoring patients’ wellbeing by alleviating pain and restoring the normal functioning of the body. In the case of permanent injury or disease, physiotherapy is crucial in lessening the effects of dysfunction.

Physiotherapy has gained ground quickly in healthcare matters due to its proactive approach to medicine. Its sessions call for the patients’ bodily movement and activity, and so does their recovery. This is unlike other forms of treatment that rely on doctors for most of the procedures. What’s more, physiotherapists take their patients through physical exercises and educate them on the ways of hastening their recovery. Physiotherapists are more specialized and, therefore, advise their patients on what to do and what to avoid in the process of recovery. Regardless of their ages, patients are set to benefit from physio-sessions and the knowledge that comes with it. In fact, most patients in Dubai are now seeking out this mode of treatment even without the recommendation of a physician. This is how popular physiotherapy has become.

Types of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy applies to several conditions given that it specializes in many areas, including sports, children’s health, seniors’ health, and even women’s health.

Let’s look at the different types of physiotherapy that patients can go through.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Also known as orthopaedic physiotherapy, this form of physiotherapy is known to treat conditions such as back pain, chronic sprains, elbow pain, Rheumatological conditions, whiplash, arthritis, posture problems, sport and workplace injuries, bursitis, and issues to do with reduced mobility. The rehabilitation exercise following surgery is also categorized under this type. All these conditions can be addressed through this type of physiotherapy.

Neurological Physiotherapy

This type is used to treat disorders of the nervous system which include stroke, spine injuries, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy. Neurological physiotherapy also consists of the exercise that patients are put through for rehabilitation after brain surgery.

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

This one involves the treatment of conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other disorders related to the cardio-respiratory system. Treatment that falls under this type of physiotherapy involves correct breathing techniques, deep breathing and circulation techniques, pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, positioning techniques for optimal lung expansion among others.

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Children often go through health challenges that can be averted through paediatric physiotherapy. Some of these disorders include orthopaedic disabilities, developmental delays, congenital disabilities, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, torticollis among others. Through this kind of physiotherapy, gross and fine motor skills of children are improved. Further, children’s movement and balance are normalized, keeping them strong

Geriatric Physiotherapy

When old age knocks, certain diseases and disorders start to creep in. Most of these revolve around mobility difficulties. Some of the medical conditions that are addressed through this type of physiotherapy include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, hip and joint replacements, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and balance disorders. This type of physiotherapy is aimed at restoring mobility for the old people, reduce pain, improve physical fitness, combat physical limitations and improve overall health.

Physiotherapy for Women

The activities that are entailed in this type of therapy mainly focus on the female productive system, issues associated with childbirth, prenatal and postnatal care, and infertility issues. Specialists help women by relieving lower back, hip, and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy. Physiotherapists also help reduce lymphatic swelling, activate pelvic floor, and control urinary incontinence for a woman’s wellbeing.

Therapies Offered by Physiotherapists

Most professionals and health centers in Dubai will take their patients through physiotherapy sessions and even go a step further by giving them the relevant education. This comes as part of the collective range of activities that come in handy in the recovery of patients. The range of therapies that physiotherapists take their patients through include:

Manual Therapy

Here, physiotherapists use their hands to assess and treat muscles and joints to ease stiffness and pain and enhance free movement. The major activities here include joint mobilization and manipulation, including spinal mobilization, stretching, and manual resistance training.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Physiotherapists are also keen at tailoring their treatments to address the specific patient deficits. As such, they may recommend posture re-training, muscle strengthening, cardiovascular stretching and training for their patients which helps in recovery.

Electrotherapy

This involves the use of medical equipment and machines to carry out activities such as laser therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ultrasound and diathermy.

Education

This may not be a physiotherapy activity per se, but it is actually for both the physiotherapists and the patients. It helps patients to learn and understand ways of managing their health issues even without the hands-on care of the professionals.

Physiotherapy in Dubai – Conclusion

Physiotherapy is an excellent alternative to medication and surgery. Though there is so much that comes with physiotherapy, physiotherapists will start treatment sessions with an assessment of their patients’ condition. This is particularly important in comprehending their health disorder and the best way to treat it. Physiotherapists also advise their patients on the kind of activities they should indulge in. If properly adhered to, physiotherapy exercises are crucial to a patient’s wellbeing.