Physiotherapy
(Public Health)
This topic will help you learn about physical therapy
What is physical therapy?
- Physical therapy is a health care profession that aims to improve and restore the mobility and functional ability of individuals of all ages, using accurate assessment and non-drug techniques. A physical therapist designs personalized treatment plans to help patients relieve pain, regain strength, and improve balance.
- Physical therapy treats various problems, such as:
- • Bone and joint diseases, such as: arthritis, tendinitis, and fractures.
- • Heart and lung diseases, such as: rehabilitation after heart attacks or pulmonary embolism.
• Neuromotor disorders, such as: multiple sclerosis, hemiplegia, or Parkinson’s disease.
- • Pregnancy problems, such as: pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.
- Physical therapy depends on non-drug techniques, including:
- • Strengthening and flexibility exercises, to improve muscle and joint movement.
- • Manual therapy, such as: massage and joint mobilization.
- • Heat or cold therapy, to reduce inflammation and pain.
- • Electrical stimulation, to relieve pain.
• Balance and coordination exercises, to enhance stability.
• Breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, to support the respiratory system and improve comfort.
- The importance of physical therapy
- The importance of physical therapy lies in its ability to provide several benefits to individuals of all ages and health conditions, which greatly contribute to improving their quality of life. It works on:
- • Pain relief and improved mobility: physical therapy helps reduce chronic and acute pain using manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and means such as: heat and ice, which may reduce the need for painkillers. It also helps restore the range of motion of joints, strengthen muscles, and improve the ability to perform daily activities, while preventing stiffness in joints and muscles.
- • Recovery and prevention: it plays an important role in speeding up healing after injuries or surgeries and reduces complications resulting from immobility. It also identifies muscular weaknesses and helps prevent future injuries, especially among athletes.
- • Avoiding surgery and rehabilitation: in many cases, physical therapy can replace the need for surgery by addressing the root causes of problems. It is also essential for rehabilitation after accidents, strokes, or sports injuries.
• Managing chronic diseases and improving quality of life: it supports patients with chronic conditions, such as: arthritis and cerebral palsy, in controlling symptoms and improving their daily lifestyle.
• Improving balance and preventing falls: it strengthens muscles and balance, which reduces the risk of falls among the elderly and those who suffer from balance issues.
- Types of physical therapy?
- Physical therapy specializes in various fields that meet different patient needs and uses a wide range of therapeutic techniques. The most prominent types include:
- • Orthopedic physical therapy: focuses on treating musculoskeletal injuries, such as: back and neck pain, bone fractures, joint sprains, and tendinitis. It includes manual therapy and exercises for muscle strengthening and flexibility.
- • Neurological physical therapy: treats conditions affecting the nervous system, such as: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries, aiming to improve balance, coordination, and motor functions.
- • Sports physical therapy: focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports injuries. It aims to accelerate safe return to sports and enhance performance.
- • Pediatric physical therapy: helps children and infants who suffer from motor development delays, cerebral palsy, autism, and other conditions that affect movement and development.
- • Geriatric physical therapy: aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase independence. It treats diseases such as: arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance problems.
• Cardiac and pulmonary physical therapy (respiratory therapy): supports heart and lung patients, such as: those recovering from heart attacks or cardiac surgeries, and works to improve respiratory and physical capacity.
• Pelvic physical therapy: treats pelvic floor problems, such as: urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and post-partum complications.
- What are the common physical therapy techniques?
- Physical therapy uses a variety of common techniques that can be applied in any of these fields, such as:
- • Exercise therapy, to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
- • Electrotherapy, such as: electrical stimulation of nerves and muscles.
• Heat and cold therapy, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Post-surgical treatment, an intensive rehabilitation program to help patients fully recover.
Misconceptions
Misconception:
“Anyone with knowledge can provide physical therapy.”
Fact:
Physical therapy requires a qualified specialist with a license in the field. General knowledge is not enough; it requires academic study and intensive clinical training to ensure safe and effective diagnosis and treatment.
Misconception:
“Physical therapy is just massage.”
Fact:
This is incorrect. Physical therapy is a precise health science based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s physical and functional condition and grounded in scientific principles. It includes therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and electrical and thermal treatments. It helps improve movement, relieve pain, and restore physical functions.
Misconception:
“Physical therapy is only for athletes or injured people.”
Fact:
Physical therapy benefits all groups, such as: the elderly, children, stroke patients, those with chronic pain, or anyone suffering from weakness in balance or movement.
Misconception:
“Physical therapy is not important after surgery.”
Fact:
On the contrary, physical therapy is very necessary after surgery to help restore movement, strengthen muscles, and prevent complications.
Misconception:
“Physical therapy is only for those who have pain.”
Fact:
Physical therapy is not limited to pain treatment only; it also includes improving movement, strengthening physical functions, and preventing falls or complications. It applies in cases such as: nerve disorders, balance problems, pelvic floor weakness, and even for those who simply want to improve their daily quality of life.
- How to approach physical therapy for best results?
- To gain the most benefit from physical therapy and ensure a successful recovery journey, adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach. Here are some empowering steps that will help you handle physical therapy effectively:
- • Seek professional help early: when you feel chronic pain or notice limited movement, consult a doctor or a physical therapist. Early diagnosis and quick intervention make a major difference in the speed and effectiveness of recovery.
- • Communicate openly and effectively: be honest and clear with your therapist about your goals, concerns, and pain level. The more information you share, the more accurate and effective the treatment plan will be for your individual needs. Also, do not hesitate to ask questions about your condition, exercises, or any aspect of treatment to ensure full understanding.
- • Commit fully to the treatment plan: results depend heavily on your commitment. Follow your therapist’s instructions carefully, perform prescribed home exercises regularly, and do not stop at the first sign of improvement. Attending all scheduled sessions is crucial, and if you need to reschedule, do so in advance.
- • Be patient and persistent: remember that healing takes time and happens gradually. Be patient with yourself and withthe process, and do not give up if results are not immediate. Persistence is the key to long-term success.
• Educate and empower yourself: learn about your condition and how to avoid its triggers. This understanding increases your ability to manage your condition and take an active role in your treatment.
• Adopt a supportive lifestyle: try to integrate your therapist’s advice into your daily routine. This might include adopting an active lifestyle to prevent complications and using assistive tools, such as: braces or balance devices, as prescribed. This integration ensures long-term health maintenance.
Frequently asked questions:
- When do I know that I need physical therapy?
- You should see a physical therapist in the following cases:
- • Persistent pain: if you suffer from pain in joints, muscles, or nerves that does not go away with rest or medication.
- • Difficulty moving: if you face difficulty performing daily activities, such as: walking, lifting things, or bending.
- • After injuries: after sprains, fractures, falls, or any injury affecting mobility.
- • After surgery: as part of a rehabilitation program after surgical operations to speed up recovery and restore function.
- • Before surgery: in some cases, physical therapy before surgery helps strengthen muscles and accelerate recovery afterward.
- • With chronic diseases: to manage symptoms of diseases, such as: arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
• To improve athletic performance or prevent injuries: if you are an athlete seeking better performance or injury prevention.
• Balance problems or frequent falls: especially for older adults.
