Physical therapy, PT, is important in relaxing muscles that have been affected by disease. It helps in easing pain and keeping a person in good shape. A number of acute and chronic illnesses impair the function of the musculoskeletal system, hence the need for therapy. Some of these acute conditions include injuries during sports, stroke, injuries sustained after delivery and sphincter dysfunction among others. Rehabilitation is crucial for certain conditions such as diabetes and spinal cord injury. There are some facts on physical therapy Wilmington patients need to know even as they consider this mode of treatment.
Before someone is prescribed physiotherapy, a number of things have to be done to ascertain the diagnosis. These include the giving of a medical history, physical examination and investigation. In history taking, the physician sits down with the patient to discuss key issues related to the condition at hand. Any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should be documented as these may affect treatment in one way or another. Patients with cardiovascular disease may have limited physiotherapy sessions because the intense treatment plan can result in worsening of the condition.
The doctor will use the history obtained in making a diagnosis and to ensure caution when prescribing physiotherapy as a mode of treatment. For instance, patients known to have palpitations may have their symptoms worsen if they are put on a rigorous exercise regime. To further refine the diagnosis, the physiotherapist also needs to conduct a focused physical examination. Lastly, relevant blood works and imaging studies are conducted to give a more detailed report regarding the condition, including what tissues are involved and to what extent.
It is worth noting that physiotherapy goes beyond engaging the patient in physical exercises. As a matter of fact, it incorporates the use of devices to facilitate comfort and normal range of movement at joints in the long run. Examples of such devices include braces, traction kits, walking aids and corsets among others. The therapy also employs the use of cold compresses, heat massage, sound waves and radiation. In addition, it educates individuals on the best way to maintain physical fitness while at home or at work.
There are quite a number of specialties in this area. Therapists can train in fields such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, geriatric and electrophysiology physiotherapy among others. Manual therapy is the mainstay of managing many conditions of the pulmonary system. It helps in stimulating the cough reflex and therefore enables the clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract. This is indicated in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
The elderly population is a special group of people because of the physiological processes they undergo as they age. Most of their tissues tend to atrophy and to gradually lose function. They are commonly affected by illnesses such as osteoporosis, arthritis, urine and fecal incontinence. The treatment facilitates their mobility even in the midst of muscle weakness and atrophy. It also keeps them comfortable and free of painful muscles and joints.
The integumentary specialization dwells on conditions affecting the skin including wounds and burns. Specialists in this field do work that is almost similar to what is done in the emergency room by medical doctors. They help in keeping wounds free from infections. They also manage swelling as occurs in the cause of burns and other forms of injury.
In conclusion, physiotherapy is a diverse concept that goes beyond physical exercises. As already mentioned, physiotherapy has spread its wings to many other fields other than the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. It also involves the cardiovascular, pulmonary and electrophysiological fields.
Before someone is prescribed physiotherapy, a number of things have to be done to ascertain the diagnosis. These include the giving of a medical history, physical examination and investigation. In history taking, the physician sits down with the patient to discuss key issues related to the condition at hand. Any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should be documented as these may affect treatment in one way or another. Patients with cardiovascular disease may have limited physiotherapy sessions because the intense treatment plan can result in worsening of the condition.
The doctor will use the history obtained in making a diagnosis and to ensure caution when prescribing physiotherapy as a mode of treatment. For instance, patients known to have palpitations may have their symptoms worsen if they are put on a rigorous exercise regime. To further refine the diagnosis, the physiotherapist also needs to conduct a focused physical examination. Lastly, relevant blood works and imaging studies are conducted to give a more detailed report regarding the condition, including what tissues are involved and to what extent.
It is worth noting that physiotherapy goes beyond engaging the patient in physical exercises. As a matter of fact, it incorporates the use of devices to facilitate comfort and normal range of movement at joints in the long run. Examples of such devices include braces, traction kits, walking aids and corsets among others. The therapy also employs the use of cold compresses, heat massage, sound waves and radiation. In addition, it educates individuals on the best way to maintain physical fitness while at home or at work.
There are quite a number of specialties in this area. Therapists can train in fields such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, geriatric and electrophysiology physiotherapy among others. Manual therapy is the mainstay of managing many conditions of the pulmonary system. It helps in stimulating the cough reflex and therefore enables the clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract. This is indicated in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.
The elderly population is a special group of people because of the physiological processes they undergo as they age. Most of their tissues tend to atrophy and to gradually lose function. They are commonly affected by illnesses such as osteoporosis, arthritis, urine and fecal incontinence. The treatment facilitates their mobility even in the midst of muscle weakness and atrophy. It also keeps them comfortable and free of painful muscles and joints.
The integumentary specialization dwells on conditions affecting the skin including wounds and burns. Specialists in this field do work that is almost similar to what is done in the emergency room by medical doctors. They help in keeping wounds free from infections. They also manage swelling as occurs in the cause of burns and other forms of injury.
In conclusion, physiotherapy is a diverse concept that goes beyond physical exercises. As already mentioned, physiotherapy has spread its wings to many other fields other than the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. It also involves the cardiovascular, pulmonary and electrophysiological fields.
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