Role of Physiotherapist in 8 Disorders

A physiotherapist is a health practitioner who adds life to years. Physiotherapists work for the betterment of human health. They give guidelines that are helpful to improve and maintain health. They recommend exercises according to the patient’s condition and problem. If a patient has a condition or disease in which they are unable to perform exercise then physiotherapists move the patient’s body parts with their hands to restore the movement of the patient. Physiotherapists have magical hands. They apply hands-on mobilization and manipulation techniques used to reduce pain and improve the function of various structures of the human body. Physiotherapists use some electric modalities such as TENS, Therapeutic ultrasound as supportive tools. A skilled physiotherapist knows hundreds and thousands of techniques. Physiotherapy plays a major or minor role in the treatment of many diseases. Physiotherapy is not only used for the treatment of various diseases but also contributes to the prevention of disease and injury. It improves the overall strength of the human body to cope with different diseases and injuries. It improves the circulation of blood. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop some serious diseases than those who have a sedentary lifestyle and do not engage in physical activity.

How Physiotherapists add life to years?

World Physiotherapy is the sole international voice for physiotherapy. It was founded in 1951. It represents more than 685,000 physiotherapists worldwide through 125 member organizations. Pakistan Physical Therapy Association represents more than 1300 physiotherapists in World Physiotherapy. World Physical Therapy (PT) Day is celebrated each year by member organizations and physiotherapists around the world to raise awareness about physiotherapy. This is observed every year on September 8, designated in 1996. After this brief introduction, now we will discuss some disorders in which physiotherapists work to improve human health.

1. Muscular Pain

Many people experience muscle pain due to muscle weakness and stiffness. Poor posture and prolonged sitting or standing can cause muscle pain. Physiotherapists give guidelines for good posture to prevent excess stress on muscles or other structures. Stretching and strengthening exercises are very helpful to relieve pain and improve circulation. Hands-on mobilization and manipulation techniques are also applied to these patients.

Physiotherapy for Back Pain            

2. Stroke/Paralysis

A stroke is a condition caused by insufficient blood flow to brain cells. It causes muscle paralysis. The severity of the stroke depends on which part of the brain is injured and which blood vessels are involved. Physiotherapists restore normal movement after a stroke. A bedridden patient or wheelchair user may recover and be able to walk without assistance. Although it takes time, it is a fact that wheelchair users can walk after full recovery.

3. Cardiac/Heart Diseases

Physiotherapists design effective cardiac rehabilitation programs according to the patient’s condition. Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program in which exercises are prescribed and knowledge is provided about lifestyle changes. It improves the physical and emotional condition of patients with heart disease.

4. Pulmonary/ Breathing Disorders

There are many pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, covid etc. In these disorders, abnormal secretions are accumulated in the lungs or pulmonary system. This causes difficulty in breathing. Physiotherapists can use a number of techniques such as postural drainage techniques and chest percussion to remove these secretions. Breathing exercises improve overall lung function and breathing muscles function, making breathing easier.

5. Birth disorders

Some babies are born with defects that cause muscular problems such as cerebral palsy which is a muscle movement and coordination disorder caused by abnormal brain development. Physiotherapists use exercises, balance training techniques, and braces for these children. Physiotherapists can treat deformities which are occurred during the delivery of a child such as Erb’s Palsy. In this, a child can’t lift arm away from the body or bend elbow. The palm of the hand points toward the back, and the fingers curl.

6. Nerve Injuries

Nerves send signals to the muscles so that the muscles can work effectively. If a nerve is damaged by pressure or cutting it disrupts the function of the corresponding muscles. It can cause tingling and numbness in the areas which are supplied by that nerve. Physiotherapists use techniques that enhance the healing of damaged nerves and facilitate nerve travel.

 7. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that often affects large joints such as the knees and hips. It causes inflammation, pain and swelling. Physiotherapists treat this condition and prevent it from getting worse. In most severe cases patients require surgical procedures to replace the joint surfaces to relieve pain and disability. Physiotherapists can prevent these patients from undergoing surgical procedures if treatment by a physiotherapist is started before the problem becomes severe.

Physiotherapy or Exercise for Knee Pain

Physiotherapy for Knee Pain

8. Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy is a physiological process in women in response to the development of the fetus. Most women prefer a normal delivery, but in some cases, a cesarean (surgical procedure) is necessary when the mother or baby is at risk. Physiotherapists perform assessments to identify which exercises are best for a woman's needs. There is a misconception that all exercise during pregnancy is harmful. Some exercises can help to prevent circulatory, muscle, movement and breathing problems. Some exercises can help to correct the baby's position in the womb. In this way, physiotherapists increase the chances of a normal delivery.

There are a large number of disorders and diseases in which physiotherapists work to improve human health. Some of them have been discussed above. Practitioners and researchers are working to find more physiotherapy techniques to enhance the quality of life. Physiotherapists are working to reduce mortality in many diseases. The scope of physiotherapist practice is increasing day by day. People are becoming aware of the benefits of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists should always strive to upgrade their knowledge and skills as they are essential pillars of the healthcare system.