Physical Therapy: Definition, 6 Types, and Conditions That Require It (Indications)

Physical therapy definition

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is a procedure performed to examine, treat, and evaluate patients who have limited mobility and bodily functions. Physiotherapy is also used to prevent physical disabilities, as well as reduce the risk of injury and movement disorders that can occur in later life.

In undergoing physiotherapy, the patient will be assisted by a physiotherapist, who is an expert in applying the principles and practices of physical therapy. Physiotherapy can be done to patients of all ages, from children to the elderly. Athletes are one of a common group requiring physiotherapy to restore their body condition.

Physical Therapy Types

Physiotherapy is a therapy that is done using different types of treatments. Here are the treatments commonly used, including:

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a technique used by physical therapists to flex the joint by massaging it directly using the hands.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

This therapy is done using a small battery-driven device used to send low-level currents through electrodes placed on the surface of the skin.

This physiotherapy tool is useful to relieve pain in various parts of the body.

Magnetic therapy

This therapy is done using electromagnets of various types and sizes. Just like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, this physiotherapy device is useful to reduce the pain that strikes.

Taping

Taping is a physiotherapy device in the form of elastic plaster that is intended to naturally heal injured parts of the body. The trick is to support and stabilize the muscles and joints without limiting their movement.

The tool, named Kinesio taping, is believed to improve circulation, speed up injury recovery, relieve pain, and help overcome inflammation in the skin.

Diathermy

Diathermy is a type of therapy using heat flowed through high-frequency electromagnetic currents to cure various conditions.

Ultrasound and phonophoresis

Therapeutic ultrasound helps lower inflammation by pushing heat into the injured area, thus curing muscle spasms, boosting metabolism, and increasing blood flow to damaged tissues.

While phonophoresis is a technique that utilizes ultrasonic waves to help the maximum absorption of topical drugs.

Physical Therapy Indications

The doctor will consider physiotherapy for patients experiencing pain and limited movement. Recommended conditions for physiotherapy include:

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one patient’s spine (vertebra) shifts forward to another. This situation is more common in the lower bone (lumbosacral region).

Physical therapy programs are an effective way of treating spondylolisthesis. This therapy can strengthen the muscles of patients that support the spine and can educate the patient how to keep his spine safe and prevent further injury in the future.

Physical therapy provided includes passive and active therapy; Passive therapy can help the patient’s body to relax, while active therapy can be used to help patients receive therapeutic movements that can strengthen the body to prevent recurrence of pain.

Joint injuries

Joint injury is one of the most common problems in physiotherapy patients. To relieve pain, massage and heat and cold therapy can help. Patients with spinal joint problems can increase their core strength to protect the intervertebral disc.

Arthritis.

Inflammation in one or more parts of the joint that has major symptoms is pain and stiffness in the joints, and can get worse with age.

Read also:
How to prevent arthritis?

Back problems

Physiotherapy treatments for back problems include massage, trigger point therapy and acupuncture, and also the use of corrective sports tape to improve posture.

8 Other conditions that require physical therapy

• Spinal disorders. This disorder can cause complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain.
• Post amputation. Amputation is the loss of certain parts of the body due to an illness or injury, either planned by surgery or spontaneous loss (auto amputation).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Conditions that cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hands and wrists.
• Injuries while exercising.
• Post-fracture.
• Impaired brain and nervous system function, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Heart and blood circulation disorders.
• Lung, and respiratory system disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).