Physiotherapy Today - About Physiotherapy

ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY

History of Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapy is dedicated to the restoration of the human function which has been impaired due to disease, trauma or injury. It is practiced in India since the last fifty years. It plays a big role in preventive aspects and pain management.

Physiotherapy dates back to 250 AD, when gold fish-electric fish was used for pain relief in gout and headache cases. Physiotherapists today use certain type of currents to give pain relief.

In prehistoric era, buddhists and hindus recognised "pain as a sensation" but gave greater importance to its emotional aspects. Non-invasive methods were used for pain relief. Today's physiotherapists also use non-invasive, electro-therapy modalities for pain relief.

Physiotherapy is "tending to the cure or providing relief from disease or injury." It involves rehabilitating the patient from "bed to job".

Be it acute or intensive care, respiratory and cardiac rehabilitation, pain management, Arthritis, headache, post-operative pain, heel pain, fitness, or sports injury, physiotherapy has a role to play in restoring the patient to normalcy or atleast a functional capacity.

Physiotherapy Today:

Physiotherapy today is an independent health care profession for all the age groups from neonatal to geriatrics. (from birth to old age.)

The task of early intervention in neonatal cases is taken over by a physiotherapist, new born babies with birth defects are evaluated and treated, which helps in minimizing disabilities and helps in early ambulation.

Women's wellness, maintaining healthy lifestyle after menopause needs attention.
Common problems are: obesity, Arthritis, incontinence of urine, fatigue, aches & pains in joints etc

Pain management in acute & chronic cases are managed by physiotherapists.

Sports physiotherapy is becoming popular amongst the young physios. In fact special post-graduate courses are conducted by the association, to promote this new emerging avenue of physiotherapy.

Industrial physiotherapy deals with ergonomics and safety measures. Guidance on work positions etc. is given by physiotherapists.

Manipulative Therapy is gaining momentum due to its instant relief in pain and increase in range of motion. Special training is required before practicing this technique.

All these have gained immense popularity for today's Physiotherapists.

Physiotherapy Tomorrow:

There is scope for physiotherapy even in space, where there is a high possibility of gravity related injury.

Backpain, muscle strain and headache is common in space-craft. Micro-gravity induces calcium loss from bones. Assessment of the limbs or back are difficult in space.

The future of physiotherapy for the astronauts in space is promising. Physiotherapists can help "body positioning", and exercises for micro-gravity posture.

Aims of Physiotherapy:

1. To relieve pain and spasm.
2. To improve range of motion and mobility.
3. To prevent stiffness and contractures.
4. To teach ergonomics and self help care.
5. To prevent frequent falls in elderly persons.
6. To improve strength and co-ordination.

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