Different Types Of Physiotherapy Used In Rehabilitation

Different Types Of Physiotherapy Used In Rehabilitation

There is a fundamental difference between physiotherapy and medication for pain management: medication eases the symptoms that are caused by something being %u2018wrong%u2019 in the body, whereas the physiotherapy works on the underlying cause of the problem. This difference is important, because the role of physiotherapy is to address the original root of the problem. Medication can only treat the pain and the pain is only a symptom that something is not right within the body. That is why physiotherapy is so important in terms of fully treating any condition.

A physiotherapist will make a clinical assessment of each patient as an individual (there is no %u2018magic bullet%u2019 that will work for everyone). This will look at the root cause of the disorder, whether that be in the joint or the muscle or even in the nerves themselves. Patients will be advised how they can manage their condition and how they can ensure that they do not aggravate it. Various techniques are used, which can range from manipulation of the joints to exercises, to massage or even hydrotherapy. However, whichever technique is used, the aim is always to encourage the body to heal itself.


Exercise is the aspect of physiotherapy that most people are familiar with. Sometimes this can be general in the sense of patients being advised to do more walking or to undertake some kind of specific activity such as swimming. Or these exercises can be very specific to the condition that a person may have and may involve exercises to strengthen particular areas of the body or to increase flexibility in joints.


Massage can be used to ensure that the circulation is improved and that blood flow is healthy. It can also be used to introduce greater flexibility or movement within a specific area. If a patient has a build up of fluid, then massage may be used to help the body drain off the fluid and prevent further build up.


Electrotherapy is not as scary as it sounds; it is a completely non invasive technique, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, often referred to as NMES which will cause a tingling sensation as tiny electrical impulses are used to cause pain signals to be blocked and therefore help to alleviate pain.


Hydrotherapy can be used to help with circulation problems, to relieve pain and also to relax any muscles that may be too taut. As is suggested by the name, this is physiotherapy carried out either in a swimming pool or a specially designed hydrotherapy bath. The water can act%2