6 Popular Physiotherapy Treatments Explained

If you've ever suffered from an injury, you may have received some form of physiotherapy to accelerate healing. Physiotherapy is also crucial for patients with arthritis, amputations, spinal strains or who have had numerous medical operations. It makes life more comfortable for patients through an array of treatments customised as per their needs. 

If you are contemplating becoming a physiotherapist, here are some conventional techniques you'll discover in your course alongside their associated benefits:

Electrotherapy

This is the newest energy-based physiotherapy technique. In this process, physiotherapists attach electrodes to a patient's skin to offer electrical stimulation. These electrodes contract muscles, which alleviates atrophy and can be great for paralysed patients. Furthermore, electrotherapy, ultrasound and laser technology are effective physiotherapy techniques.

ROM (Range of Motion) Exercises

Doctors recommend getting lots of rest in the initial recovery stages after a patient suffers broken bones or undergoes surgery. However, extended immobility periods may prolong the healing process. Therefore, physiotherapists recommend ROM exercises to encourage movement, joint mobility and blood circulation. Adequate mobility of affected muscles and joints alleviates muscle atrophy as well as postural problems. Thus, you'll learn ROM exercises in personal support training to assist patients with mobility problems and aid their flexibility. 

Kinesio Taping   

In your physiotherapy course, you'll come around the neon tape, famous in physiotherapy treatment. Therapists apply the Kinesio tape on the patient's skin to stabilise muscles and joints during the treatment procedure. Its flexibility doesn't compromise ROM exercises, making it excellent for when you want to stretch muscles.

Soft Tissue Mobilisation

This technique is also referred to as therapeutic massage, and it assists in relaxing a patient's muscles and minimises swelling in affected areas. As such, it's essential for relieving pain after a patient suffers from athletic injury. This technique also aids in blood circulation and reduces the swelling of inflamed joints. 

Heat and Cryotherapy 

Many people who have desk jobs experience stiff muscles and soreness. Patients suffering from stiff muscles should apply hot packs or paraffin wax to the affected areas. The cryotherapy technique may involve ice massage application too. 

Therapeutic Ultrasound 

Finally, the last common technique on the list is therapeutic ultrasound. In recent years, medical practitioners have managed to use sound waves (ultrasound) to treat bodily injuries. The ultrasound frequency offers soft beams to treat tissue damage. These sound waves help stimulate the muscles and are absorbed in ligaments, fascia and tendons. This technique is useful for patients with arthritis, muscle strains or tendonitis. 


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