Benefits of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Exercises and methods

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is a medical specialization that treats problems of movements and functional abilities. Rehabilitation programs require active participation of patients in order to have a more comfortable and rapid recovery period. Physiotherapy and physical therapy are the same thing. Physiotherapists (Physical therapists) are specialists who implement effective methods in the diagnosis and treatment of serious problems such as illnesses, injuries, disabilities. Physical therapy is a part of treatments of many problems, such as brain damage, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic pain and sports injuries.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation help treat the following diseases:

• Bones, joints and soft tissue problems: Chronic pain (back, neck, shoulder pain, etc.), injury and trauma (sports injuries, burns, bone fractures, spinal injuries)
• Brain or nervous system diseases: Stroke, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) or movement problems caused by Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury
• Heart and circulation problems: Heart attack
• Lungs and respiratory diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, asthma
• Severe infections
• Major surgeries
• Side effects of medical treatments such as cancer treatments
• Some birth defects and genetic disorders
• Developmental disabilities

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What is Physical therapy?

• Helps you become stronger and more flexible.
• Increases your freedom of movement and ability.
• Makes you breathe easier.
• Reduces your pain.
• Increases your mobility and keeps you active.
• Prevents injuries.

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What is rehabilitation?

• Treat the main disease and prevent complications,
• Treat disability or improve functioning,
• Adapt to artificial limbs and change the patient’s environment accordingly,
• Patients and their families adapt to lifestyle changes by training them.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life, reduce the level of dependence on others, and ensure a safe return to society.

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What conditions can physiotherapy treat?

Physiotherapists focus on both prevention and treatment practices. Some diseases that physiotherapy treats:

Orthopedic problems

Orthopedic physiotherapy is a part of the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases such as sprains, back and lower back pain, arthritis, strains, urinary incontinence, bursitis, posture problems, sports and workplace injuries, as well as decreased mobility. Post-operative rehabilitation is also listed in this category. (1)

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Physiotherapists are also aware of the specific risks of injury to which different sports can pose. They can design appropriate treatments and disability prevention practices to ensure safe return to sports. (1)

Neurological problems

Physiotherapy works well for loss of mobility due to nervous system disorders, including stroke, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, MS and Parkinson’s disease. (2)

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Physiotherapy strengthens the weakened parts of the body, improves gait and balance. Physiotherapists assists paralyzed patients to be more independent at home and their surroundings by improving their ability to move, and reduce the need for care for their daily life activities such as toilet, bathroom, dressing. (3)

Diabetes and vascular conditions

As a part of the diabetes management plan, exercise helps control blood sugar tremendously. People with diabetes may experience numbness in their legs and feet. Physiotherapists provide appropriate care and training to these patients to prevent and solve such problems.

Heart and lung diseases

Both physical therapy and rehabilitation help treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other cardio-respiratory disorders. Patients undergo heart rehabilitation after a heart attack or a procedure, or take physiotherapy for functional disorders.

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Physiotherapeutic strengthening, conditioning and breathing exercises can improve patients’ quality of life in lung problems such as asthma and COPD. Physiotherapy can also help clear the fluid in the lungs.

Balance problems

At the beginning of physiotherapy, the risk of falling is checked. If you have a high risk of falling, physiotherapists will assist you with balance and coordination-enhancing exercises and devices that support your walking. If there is an imbalance, physiotherapists can perform special maneuvers that can quickly repair vestibular function, reduce or eliminate dizziness symptoms.

Aging-related problems

Aging may cause arthritis, osteoporosis, and old people may need joint prostheses. Physiotherapists assist them in adapting to the joint prosthesis and managing arthritic or osteoporotic conditions.

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Physiotherapy is also a part of cancer treatment or palliative care due to fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of muscle strength.

Physical therapy methods

Treatments are designed for each individual for their specific needs.

Manual treatments

• Deep tissue massage: Specifically targets at strains or sprains and muscle tension caused by more serious causes. Physiotherapist exerts pressure to release tension in muscles and other soft tissues. It is applied in order to reduce pain and stiffness, increase blood circulation, improve movements, and promote relaxation.
• Hot and cold treatments: Depending on your condition, the physiotherapist switches between hot and cold treatments. Heat therapy increases blood flow and provides more oxygen to the target area, while cold therapy slows circulation, reduces inflammation and pain.

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Exercise programs

• Exercises designed to increase movement and strength in a particular area of the body,
• Activities that involve moving your entire body, such as walking or swimming,
• Exercises to be done in warm, shallow water (hydrotherapy or water therapy),
• Exercises that will help you increase or maintain your physical activity.

Electrotherapy techniques

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A TENS machine stimulates muscles at different electrical current densities. This therapy can reduce muscle spasms and also increase the production of endorphin, one of the hormones that make people feel good.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound improves blood circulation, helps reduce swelling, stiffness and pain by sending deep sound waves to muscle tissues.
• Acupuncture: It is the technique of inserting thin needles on certain parts of the body in order to reduce pain and support healing.

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How is physical therapy practiced?

During the first therapy session, the physiotherapist examines and evaluates the needs of the patient. He/she asks about the pain or other symptoms, the ability to do or carry out daily chores, how well the patient sleeps, and his/her medical history. (5)

Physiotherapeutic measurement tests:

• ability to move, stretch, twist or grasp,
• ability to walk and climb stairs,
• heartbeat or rhythm while active,
• posture and balance.

Who is a physical therapist (Physiotherapist)?

• Assessing the patient’s physical condition to diagnose problems and implement a treatment plan,
• Training patients to walk again,
• Helping patients cope with crutches, walking aids or wheelchairs,
• Training patients, their families and the community in general to help people maintain healthy lifestyles.

In some cases, physiotherapists are asked to plan and implement social fitness programs.

How to become a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a university graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s program in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department. During this education, students take various theoretical and applied courses such as science courses in anatomy, physiology, physics as well as basic medical courses in neurology, internal medicine, orthopedics and occupational courses in hydrotherapy, massage, exercise techniques, and athletic health.