What is Physiotherapy, To Whom Is Physiotherapy Applicable?
Physiotherapy, or more commonly known as physical therapy, is one of the fields related to health. Physical therapy aims to help patients regain functional movements that they cannot maintain as before due to injury, disease, trauma or old age. Physiotherapists apply physical therapy. In physiotherapy; The treatment process continues with the help of electric current, heat or cold application, various exercises or movements appropriate to the patient’s condition. Physiotherapists work together with specialist physicians during the physical therapy process. Specialist physicians are people who have completed their medical education and received medical expertise in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals who graduated from the relevant department of their universities. As a team, physiotherapists perform physical therapy practices in line with the prescription of the specialist physician in order to solve the problems of the patients and take responsibility for the execution of the treatment. The aim of physiotherapy is to enable patients to perform or regain the movements necessary for their vital activities. Before treatment application, data obtained from laboratories can be used to determine what the patient should expect from treatment. In this process, which can be long and tiring, the harmonious work of the patient and the healthcare team is very important in order to achieve the goal of the treatment.
To whom is physiotherapy applied?
Physiotherapists can take part in the treatment of many different diseases and problems. These problems are not always related to concrete injuries, but may also arise as a result of systematic diseases (that is, those that can affect the whole body). It is possible to classify the conditions that may benefit from physiotherapy according to their emergence mechanisms as follows:
- Orthopedic (i.e. problems related to the musculoskeletal system): Physiotherapy can be applied to severe back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, lower back pain, foot disorders, sciatica, knee disorders, joint problems and similar problems.
- Neurological (i.e. problems with the nervous system): Physical therapy may be needed in Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy (nerve damage), vertigo (strong dizziness), cerebral palsy, stroke, concussion and similar problems.
- Autoimmune (diseases that occur when the body’s immune system attacks itself): Patients suffering from fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and similar diseases can go to physiotherapy.
- Chronic conditions: Asthma, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and similar conditions may benefit from physical therapy.
Physiotherapists, who usually work together with specialist physicians, expect to see a reduction in problems related to the musculoskeletal system after treatment. The specialist physician decides whether the treatment will be changed depending on the course of the patient’s condition. Physical therapy can be performed in appropriate centers, or in cases where it is not possible to go to the centers, physiotherapists can also perform physical therapy at the patient’s home.
You do not necessarily have to have one of the conditions listed above when applying to a physiotherapist. There may be other reasons for applying to physiotherapy. Sometimes physicians may refer the patient to physiotherapy to examine certain injuries or special conditions. In addition, the reasons why patients apply to physiotherapy can be listed as follows:
- In case of illness: Physical therapy may be preferred after a long-term illness or an illness that affects mobility, balance or motor skills. In fact, in some cases, physical therapy may be beneficial during these diseases.
- In the presence of a chronic health condition: Since some chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, affect mobility and balance, people suffering from these diseases may seek physical therapy.
- After surgery: Getting up and moving after surgery is a very important part of the recovery process. If a body part such as a hand, foot or back has been operated on or is affected by the operation, physical therapy can help the patient return to normal or compensate for as much of the damage as possible.
- In case of injuries: Injuries that cause the patient a lot of pain or immobility, and the healing process of these injuries usually proceeds together with physiotherapy.
- During the aging process: As people get older, they experience changes in their bodies that affect their movements and movement functions. Physiotherapy can help patients recover some of the disruptions that may occur in this process. Likewise, it can teach them how to work with loss when the recovery process does not go as desired.
- After major crises affecting health: Heart attack, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other major health problems can leave a person with serious difficulties in the daily functions of normal life. Physiotherapy can help patients regain some or all of the functions they have lost.
- In the process of increasing physical performance: Athletes who want to perform better through fitness, and sometimes even beginners or patients, can resort to physiotherapy in order to maximize the body’s performance potential. From here, they can learn new strategies and healthy study routines.
- Regarding general health: Patients may also seek physiotherapy to counteract the effects of aging, live active, stay healthy or simply learn skills to stay flexible.
To whom is physiotherapy not applicable?
Physiotherapy aims to restore the functionality of the musculoskeletal system and make the lives of patients in need easier. In this regard, anyone who needs can receive physiotherapy; However, going with the guidance of a specialist physician may provide more efficiency from physiotherapy. Likewise, as in almost every medical condition, it would be better to consult your specialist physician, as the side effects of the treatment and the suitability of the application for the patient vary from case to case.
Which Methods Are Used in Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists work to restore patients’ functional abilities and lost movements as much as possible and to restore functionality to patients. They work with patients to develop customized programs designed for this purpose. They are trained to assist patients whose functions and movements are affected by various diseases, injuries and problems. They can apply physical therapy to patients at all stages of life, from infancy to old age.
Physical therapists use a variety of methods to deliver treatment, including:
- They can make the patient do certain exercises,
- They can massage the muscles,
- They can use various devices for muscle stimulation,
- They can manipulate joints,
- They may recommend some lifestyle changes such as walking, correct posture techniques, etc.
- They can perform stretching movements on the muscles.
They take a holistic approach and take care of the entire body. Not only the physical aspects of health; They also address spiritual, psychological and social aspects and prioritize recovery. They work in many phases of healthcare, including preventive healthcare, health education, rehabilitation and treatment. In this way, they try to improve the quality of life by using physical therapy methods.
Who Applies Physiotherapy Treatment?
Physiotherapists apply physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy. These people are healthcare professionals who graduated from relevant departments of universities and take part in the treatment process. It is a profession that is often confused with physical therapy and rehabilitation specialization. Physicians who specialize in physical therapy and rehabilitation have completed medical school and received specialized training in the field. The evaluation, diagnosis and treatment decision-making processes of patients are under the control of physicians. Physiotherapists are responsible for the management and implementation of treatment and patient compliance.
However, as with all treatments, healthcare professionals and physicians work together to care for the patient’s well-being.
How Long Is Physiotherapy Treatment Duration?
The length of the physiotherapy process varies from patient to patient. The physical therapy process, which can take up to a year in some cases, takes much shorter time in some cases. Affecting the duration of physical therapy; There are many factors such as the chronicity of the patient’s condition, the severity of any injury, age and health history. The patient’s compliance with physical therapy and whether he/she performs the prescribed movements or exercises also significantly affects the duration of physiotherapy.
If you have questions about these and similar issues or think you need physical therapy, you may consider applying to the nearest health institution.
