Physiotherapy is a natural way to treat many different health conditions. Physical therapies and body movements are the focus of physiotherapy. This can involve body exercises, manual therapy (such as mobilization of the joints), acupuncture, and other forms of treatment. Physiotherapists help patients to improve injuries, illnesses, or specific health conditions. The therapy is used for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and improvement of overall health and fitness. Here we will describe four benefits of physiotherapy.
1. Reduce chronic pain
Pain becomes chronic when it lasts for three months or longer. Chronic pain has many causes and is often difficult to treat. Arthritis, lower back pain, and knee pain are all common sources of chronic pain. Physiotherapy is important when managing chronic pain. Therapy exercises are assigned to increase strength and flexibility when addressing the pain. Physical therapists work with patients to identify the source of the pain, and improve the patient’s overall wellbeing.
Different programs are designed depending on the patient’s needs. Pain therapy often begins with slow movements and exercises. Patients are also educated about how pain works in their bodies. Exercise intensity is gradually increased, and patients are provided with pain-management strategies to incorporate into their daily routine.
2. Minimize joint and muscle pain due to pregnancy
Many women experience joint and muscle pain during and after pregnancy, including pelvic girdle pain (PVP). PVP causes pain in the zone around the pelvis, and is common during pregnancy and labour. Causes of PVP may be due to changes in muscle strength, stress of the joints and ligaments, and trauma during labour, among others.
Physiotherapy can help improve PVP with a number of treatment options. Therapies can involve changes in physical posture, manual therapy of joints and soft tissues, breathing techniques, and exercises focusing on pelvic or core muscles. Exercises can be practiced before, during, and after birth to help symptoms of pain. For additional information, you may learn more from Dr Keogh and their online resources.
3. Hasten recovery from pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infectious condition that affects the lungs and airways, and can have mild or severe symptoms. People with a compromised immune function, such as very young or very old persons, are especially at risk of infection. Symptoms of the disorder can include fever, shortness of breath, weakness, muscle pain, and chest pain among others. Physiotherapy can help pneumonia patients recover more quickly. Therapists focus on loosening mucous to improve airway flow and include breathing exercises, manual chest therapies, and exercise programs. Specialized devices might also be used to clear mucous.
4. Improve heart health
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major public health concern. CVD involves conditions such as heart attack, chest pain, and stroke. Cardiac illness can be treated with various lifestyle changes and physical therapy routines. Physiotherapists asses the fitness level of their patients, and suggest exercises to promote heart health. Changes to eating habits are often prescribed. Evidence has shown that cardiac rehabilitation using physical therapies has saved lives, improved patient wellbeing, and lowered the number and length of hospital visits.
