Bodily pain is a very relatable phenomenon that everybody collectively experiences in their life. An injury can sometimes worsen this pain, which in turn, diminishes your mobility.
This is where physiotherapy comes into play. Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, takes a holistic approach to help restore body movements and functions when it is affected by an injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapists conduct an assessment that helps determine what treatment would best suit you.
The assessment is usually done with three main approaches, as described below.
3 Main Approaches Used By A Physiotherapist
1. Education And Advice
One key aspect of physiotherapy is looking at the human body as a whole instead of separate parts of an injury.
Hence, educating the clientele about different ways to enhance their well-being, for example, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal weight for their height, is a crucial aspect of treatment. A physiotherapist can also provide beneficial advice to implement in your daily routine and minimize the risk of injury or pain.
2. Movement and Exercise
Physiotherapists most often recommend various movements and exercises that can help you improve your mobility and overall function. The suggested exercises are designed to enhance your mobility and strength in a certain part of your body.
Physiotherapists also recommend activities that allow the whole body to move. It can be anything from walking to swimming as long as it can help you recover from an injury or an operation.
Apart from the mentioned activities, it is also recommended to partake in exercises carried out in shallow, warm water. This is known as hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy, where the water can relieve or support the joints and muscles while also providing resistance.
A physiotherapist will also give you advice on ways to improve your physical activity, so you can stay active and do so safely. If needed, mobility aids such as walking sticks or crutches may be recommended to assist you in moving around easily.
3. Manual Care
Manual therapy is a physio care method where a physiotherapist makes use of their hands to mobilize, massage and manipulate the body tissues. This technique can help to:
- Improve blood circulation
- Promote relaxation
- Allow fluids to drain more quickly from the body parts
- Improve movement in various body parts
- Relieve pain and stiffness
Manual therapy is generally used to treat certain conditions, such as lower and upper back pain. Still, it can also prove to be effective for various problems that don’t involve the muscles, joints or bones.
For instance, massage therapy can enhance the quality of life for certain individuals who suffer from chronic or serious conditions. This can be done by decreasing their anxiety levels and improving their quality of sleep. Apart from the mentioned conditions, manual therapy can also be used to treat certain lung problems.
Final Words
While it is optional to be aware of all the approaches a physiotherapist uses, knowing these three will be beneficial when and if you plan on taking physiotherapy. Some other techniques that a physiotherapist may use include acupuncture and ultrasound.
However, their approach can depend on the kind of treatment you require. If you experience any discomfort on a day-to-day basis with any body part or you need manual therapy, contacting a physiotherapy clinic can help relieve any pain and discomfort.