Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, might be recommended by your doctor if you've suffered any type of injury, or have recently had surgery and need help recovering.
True physiotherapy is not like exercising or stretching at home, and, when done under the care of a professional, can help your body to get stronger and avoid future injuries. Note a few considerations you might keep in mind about physiotherapy so you know why this treatment is so beneficial, and when you might need it yourself.
What ailments are treated
Physiotherapy typically treats physical problems related to movement, typically for easier and safer walking, jogging and the like. This treatment can also include work on the jaw and upper back and shoulders, to treat headaches, jaw pain and other discomfort in the upper body. These aches and pains are also often related to movement. If you lock your jaw or grind your teeth, meaning that you don't allow them to move freely, the muscles get very stiff and sore, and you may experience headaches and jaw pain. If you tense up your neck and shoulders throughout the day, this can cause headaches. If you have any type of muscle or joint pain, this discomfort can often be treated by physiotherapy, no matter where it's located in the body.
Treatment options
Physiotherapy can mean being on a mat, on the floor, with the therapist working your muscles and joints, but there are many other forms of treatment available, and which might be used for your condition. These may include hydrotherapy, or being in a tub of warm, swirling water. Traction might be used; this refers to wearing a certain device that takes pressure and stress off an area of the body, so that it can heal. Laser therapy is also used in some cases; lasers can encourage blood flow and help an area of the body heal faster. A therapist may also prescribe orthotics, or special devices to be worn daily, and which help take pressure off certain areas of the body or help bones to grow in a certain direction while healing.
These different treatment options are one reason why physiotherapy is often necessary for healing, as opposed to just trying to exercise at home. A therapist will note which form of treatment is best for your condition and your overall health, and may even combine these treatments, for faster and easier healing.
Hello! My name is Brian and this blog is designed to help you to understand the various health and medical services which are available to you. Until I became unwell, I had no idea just how many different health and medical services were offered to me by my doctor and the local hospital. Thankfully, when I began to have some trouble with my heart, my doctor was able to refer me to a specialist who carried out a series of tests. I have recently had an operation and I am now feeling much better. I hope my blog helps you if you are about to go into hospital.