Physiotherapy

It is widely believed that Physiotherapy techniques were used as far back as 460BC, when early physicians such as Hippocrates practiced elements of Physiotherapy like manual therapy and massage. Physiotherapy has been developing since then to become what it is today… a science evolved from evidence based research enabling physiotherapists to provide the most effective form of treatment to their patients.  

Physiotherapy is basically the science of diagnosing and treating injuries or diseases by using mostly physical means. The main aim is to reduce pain and minimize dysfunction by using evidence based techniques. Physiotherapy encompasses all areas of the lifespan from infants to the elderly in areas such as musculoskeletal, orthopedics, rheumatology, respiratory, neurology, sports injuries and women’s/men’s health.

Physiotherapy helps to restore mobility and normalcy in a patient's life after he/she is affected by any injury, disease or disability, in general.

Components of a physiotherapy session include manual therapy, advising and educating the patient. Physiotherapy can help a patient of any age to manage further pain and prevent subsequent injuries or diseases. In a nutshell, physiotherapy helps a patient improve and maximize his/her physical strength, functioning and general well-being while taking care of the underlying issues.

It adopts a more holistic approach to a patient's treatment process by taking into consideration his/her lifestyle and other dimensions of their lives.

Physiotherapy helps prevent disability and injury, manages chronic as well as acute health conditions, manages and betters physical performance of the patient, provides rehabilitation from the injury and educates patients on how to prevent any further recurrence.

How is the treatment done?

A physiotherapist may employ a variety of techniques, determined by the nature of the injury sustained and the particular problem that is being treated. The commonest of them are:

•      Manual manipulation: Moving the soft tissues and the joints betters circulation; flushes excess fluids from the body and relaxes overtly tight muscles and spasms.

•      Electrical stimulation of the nerves: Delivering electric currents in controlled intensity to the affected part helps to contain the pain signals, thus preventing them from reaching the brain.

•      Acupuncture: This is a great way of stimulating the CNS while dulling the pain and relaxing tight muscles.

•      Demonstration: Teaching and demonstrating proper movement patterns to the patient help them to recuperate on their own.

•      Functional testing: This involves examining the patient with regards to their physical movements to better assess his/her condition.

Who is eligible for the treatment? (When is the treatment done?)

Few conditions that can benefit from physical therapy are:

•      Cardio-pulmonary conditions such as COPD, myocardial infarction and cystic fibrosis

•      Hand therapy in conditions such as trigger finger and CTS (Carpal tunnel syndrome)

•      Tears in the rotator cuff, lower or upper back pain and TMJ

•          Injuries to the spinal cord, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, trauma to the brain and vestibular dysfunction

•          Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disorders in children

•          Tennis elbow and other injuries related to sports

•          Urinary incontinence

Are there any side effects?

•          Yes, there are a few side effects associated with physiotherapy. It is absolutely essential to address these by talking it out with the physiotherapist. Some of the common side effects are:

•          Pain: It may happen that your pain increases while you recuperate and recover. To address such pain, oral pain medicines might be administered prior to a session of physical therapy. Heat/cold therapy or other topical methods can work as well.

•          Swelling: This is very common; it's because of the fact that the tissues, muscles and ligaments are stretched in order to strengthen them. This can result in swelling and further pain because of it.

Safety: Very High             Effectiveness: High         Timeliness: High               Relative Risk: Low Side

Effects: Low Recovery                   Time: Medium                  Price Range: Rs.250 - Rs.1500 per session.

Benefits of Physiotherapy

 Physiotherapy can make a difference in an individual’s ability to live an active, healthy lifestyle. For many seniors, disabled or chronically ill people, physiotherapy is the key to restoring and maintaining a level of physical function that permits independent living. Physiotherapy is one way to successfully push physical limitations to secure the Freedom to Function.

Physiotherapy benefits include decreasing pain, improving joint mobility, increasing strength and coordination and improved cardio-respiratory function. Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy whether you are living with a chronic illness, recovering from a work injury or suffering after that weekend hockey game.

Physiotherapy increases your independence and gives you the Freedom to Function™ in your home, workplace or your favorite leisure activity. Physiotherapy offers a range of specialized services of benefit to patients with heart and lung disease, traumatic, workplace and athletic injuries, amputations, arthritic joints, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord and nerve injury, cancer and pre and post surgical needs.

Common Questions

Do we need a doctor’s referral to seek physiotherapy services?

 You do not need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy. However, if you are going to use your health insurance to cover the cost of therapy, the insurance provider may ask you for a doctor’s referral.

How can I be sure that physiotherapy is right for my health problem?

Physiotherapy focuses on removing the cause of the problem as opposed to superficially treating the symptoms. This process may take some time, but the results are often more permanent with less chance of the disorder returning.

What can I expect on my first appointment with a physiotherapist?

Although each clinic’s approach to intake, assessment and therapy do vary, generally speaking your physiotherapist will ask a series of questions that will help better describe all of your symptoms in detail. Your physiotherapist can then carry out your assessment. The physiotherapist will examine you physically and discuss the findings, the cause of the problem, and suggest a solution that can effectively treat your health problem

How long does each physiotherapy session last?

The first appointment usually takes about an hour for a full assessment. Subsequent treatments can be shorter or longer depending upon the condition and the treatment required. Subsequent physiotherapy treatments can be twenty to thirty minutes in length.

What treatments are used by physiotherapists?

The treatment administered by physiotherapists varies and can range from exercise, manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue massage among other therapy options. At times, ultrasound electrotherapy or acupuncture may be also used. Electrotherapy is the usage of electrical energy to accelerate the healing process, reduce inflammation, muscle spasm and pain

Coverage Options

pt Health services are covered by most health care plans