Introduction to physiotherapy and its history

It is a basic introduction to physio

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY A BRIEF INTRODUCTION By Tom PT

2. PHYSIOTHERAPY or PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapy  (or  physiotherapy ), often abbreviated  PT , is a health care profession. Physical therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and social well being. Anwesh,2013

3. PHYSIOTHERAPY or PHYSICAL THERAPY Physiotherapy is a type of medical science which is used to improve movement dysfunctions, Pain problems, illness/disease, post traumatic/surgical problems, to promote the functions of human body and optimal health. Physiotherapy is an important part of Rehabilitation dedicated to minimize disability among people. It involves the maintenance, assessment, restoration of the physical functions and body performance. Anwesh,2013

4. PHYSIOTHERAPY or PHYSICAL THERAPY Physiotherapy is mainly recommended for the physically challenged people, the people suffering from degenerative and orthopedic disorders like arthritis, neurological disorders, cardiothoracic & respiratory problems, pediatric & Obstetrics and gynecological problems and sports persons. It is one of the rapidly growing areas of medicine. The Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which deals with movement disorders of the body arising from certain conditions or illnesses. Because of its less side effects Physiotherapy has become popular among the intellectual people of our society. Anwesh,2013

5. PHYSIOTHERAPIST or PHYSICAL THERAPIST Physical therapy is performed by a physical therapist (PT) or  physiotherapist  ( physio ). PTs are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives Physical therapy involves the interaction between  physical therapist , patients/clients, other health professionals, families, care givers, and communities in a process where movement potential is assessed and diagnosed, goals are agreed upon, using knowledge and skills unique to physical Anwesh,2013

6. PHYSIOTHERAPIST or PHYSICAL THERAPIST PTs use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies. Electrodiagnostic testing (e.g.,  electromyograms and nerve conduction velocity testing) may also be of assistance PT management commonly includes prescription of or assistance with specific exercises, manual therapy, education, manipulation and other interventions. Anwesh,2013

7. PHYSIOTHERAPIST or PHYSICAL THERAPIST In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles, providing services to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy. Anwesh,2013

8. Anwesh,2013

9. Specialties in Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Orthopedics) : This is concerned with muscles, bones, and joints. It involves treating acute or chronic conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, spasms, sprains, strains, and tendonitis, and improved rehabilitation following injury or surgery. Orthopedic physiotherapists diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system as well as rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery. Joint mobilizations, strength training, hot/cold packs, Wax bath, Electrotherapy modalities like electrical stimulation, Ultrasound, IFT, TENS, SWD are often used to expedite recovery in the orthopedic setting. Anwesh,2013

10. Specialties in Physiotherapy Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy : This is concerned mainly with the function of the cardio respiratory system. Primary goals of this specialty include increasing endurance and functional independence. Manual therapy is utilized in this field to assist in clearing lung secretions experienced with various cardio respiratory disorders. Cardiothoracic physiotherapists mainly work in hospitals or rehabilitation clinics, treating patients with chronic obstructive diseases of the airways (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema) or providing improved rehabilitation for patients following any general, cardiac, or thoracic surgery. They may also assist with the recovery of patients in intensive care units (ICU). Anwesh,2013

11. Specialties in Physiotherapy Neurological Physiotherapy : Neurological physiotherapy is a discipline concerned with disorders of the nervous system; neurological physiotherapists assess the impact of neurological conditions (like Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis) and neurological trauma (such as head or spinal injuries, strokes, or brain surgery) on patients' normal bodily functions and movements. Common symptoms of neurological disorders include paralysis, vision impairment, poor balance, inability to ambulate, and loss of functional independence. Therapists work to improve these areas of dysfunction. They also design and implement strategies that can assist in the recovery of normal function, usually in conjunction with other medical or health care professionals. Anwesh,2013

12. Specialties in Physiotherapy Pediatric physiotherapy : It assists in early detection of health problems and uses a wide variety of modalities to treat disorders in the pediatric population. Physiotherapists work on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infants, children, and adolescents with a variety of congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal, or acquired disorders/diseases. Treatments focus on improving gross and fine motor skills, balance and coordination, strength and endurance as well as cognitive and sensory processing/integration. Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or torticollis , may be treated by pediatric physiotherapists. Anwesh,2013

13. Specialties in Physiotherapy Sports Physiotherapy : This is concerned with sports related injury, maintenance of fitness as well as improvement of sports strategy. This specialization covers topics related with sports, musculoskeletal, anthropometry; cardiopulmonary emphasizing on special techniques like sports taping, sports massage, on field management of injury. Anwesh,2013

14. Specialties in Physiotherapy Geriatric Physiotherapy : It covers a wide area of issues concerning people as they go through normal physiological aging, but is usually focused on the elders’. There are many conditions that affect people as they grow older and include arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, incontinence, etc. Geriatric physiotherapy helps those affected by such problems in developing a specialized program to help restore mobility, reduce pain, and increase fitness levels. Anwesh,2013

15. Specialties in Physiotherapy Gynecology and Obstetrics Physiotherapy : Physiotherapy in Obstetrics takes a form of programmed course as Antenatal and Postnatal physiotherapy. It involves guidance for appropriate posture sense, back care, lifting, neuromuscular tension control, various pain relieving treatments. The Postnatal exercises have importance in regaining fitness and preventing long term problems such as abdominal weakness, backache and stress incontinence. Physiotherapy post Caesarean section aims at preventing complications, relieving pain and fastening the healing process. Anwesh,2013

16. Specialties in Physiotherapy Dermatology and Cosmetic Physiotherapy : This field deals with sensitive issues as patients with skin lesions do not receive support from the public. Various skin lesions like Psoriasis, Vitiligo , Alopecia, Polymorphic light eruptions, Hyperhydrosis ; Acne etc can be effectively treated with Physiotherapy. Electromagnetic radiations form the successful part of treatment along with counseling. Physiotherapy plays a very important role in rehabilitation of Burn patients both in wards and in OPD.The role involves prevention of respiratory complications and contractures, maintain joint range and muscle strength, regain maximum function after skin grafting. Various types of Ulcers tend to heal quicker with intelligent choice of Physiotherapeutic treatment. Anwesh,2013

17. Specialties in Physiotherapy Intensive care Physiotherapy : It includes the care of whole patient i.e. his respiratory care, postural care, maintenance of full joint mobility and muscle extensibility. In ICU, ITU, NICCU, CCU, etc, Physiotherapist act in a team approach.Extubation of a Ventilated patient (Weaning) is a major part of Intensive care Physiotherapy. When Vitals and Arterial Blood Gases are within normal limits, patients are weaned off ventilator under close supervision. For quicker recovery of patients prevention of ICU related complications e.g. Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism, Pressure sores, Respiratory distress, Musculoskeletal wasting etc are included in Physiotherapeutic domain. Anwesh,2013

18. Specialties in Physiotherapy Psychosomatic Physiotherapy : Psychosomatic treatment is designed for patients with emotionally conditioned, somatic symptoms, such as headache, backache, neck, shoulder, arm pains, postural disorders and inhibited respiration. The physiotherapeutic part of the treatment (psychosomatic physiotherapy) is based on a comprehensive view of the muscular apparatus and functioning as a whole with emphasis on correction of postural disorders and liberation of respiration. It includes close cooperation with the physician, who may be called upon when emotional inhibition impedes further progress of the physiotherapy. Patients with clear psychiatric symptoms are treated only if anchored in a secure psychotherapeutic situation. Anwesh,2013

19. Thank you… Anwesh,2013