Top Eight Common Physiotherapy Treatments

Physiotherapy treatments are important especially for people who have certain skeletal and muscular conditions. The type of physiotherapy treatment varies depending on the condition one has. Often, a treatment that suits one patient might not suit another. Therefore, talk to your physiotherapist so that they can formulate a suitable treatment for your particular condition.

1. Heat therapy

Applying heat enhances blood flow especially at the point of injury. Therefore, heat treatment speeds up healing, especially those involving ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It also has the effect of softening tight tissues and consequently relieving pain. It does so by making the tissue more pliable, thus enabling the therapist to better stretch the area.

2. Strengthening exercises

Some conditions might weaken your muscles. Weak muscles reduce the functioning ability of an individual. Therefore, strengthening exercises are an essential part of physiotherapy rehabilitation to enable you to return to your original performance or at least the maximum possible ability.

3. Range of motion exercises

Such exercises are usually prescribed to increase or sustain flexibility of the joint. They are also essential in reducing stiffness. There is a wide variety of range of motion exercises including:
• Active range of motion exercises
• Passive range of motion exercises
• Active assistive range of motion exercises

4. Low lever exercises

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It is best for connective tissue and muscular injuries. Laser therapy involves the use of specific wavelengths of light to enhance healing. It can also help reduce muscle inflammation, pain, and fatigue. It can also enable the therapist to move the affected joint better.

5. Cold therapy

Also referred to as cryotherapy, cold therapy is an efficient means of reducing swelling and pain. It works well in acute injuries. Cold therapy is also used immediately after deep kneading massage. Examples of cold therapy include ice massage and ice pack application.

6. Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation is an important tool in preventing muscle atrophy, also known as wasting. Muscle atrophy is mostly experienced in people who are paralyzed. The treatment is also critical for people who require enhancing their muscle strength, such as after a knee surgery. During the electrical stimulation procedure, electrodes are placed on the skin’s surface; which softens the muscles.

7. Ultrasound

Sound waves that cannot be detectable to the human ear generate heat, thus loosening up body tissues. The effect is important, especially when preparing for manual exercises. During the procedure, the therapist applies the sound waves directly and safely to the skin. Ultrasound has been found to increase healing of ligaments.

8. Traction

The treatment is best suited for people suffering from disc herniation. When one is standing, the spine bears all weight thus making it hard to recover from back pain. During traction, the physiotherapist separates vertebrae to reduce compression on the disc cartilage and allow more space for the nerves. Research has shown that traction can be effective in reducing pain thus improving the quality of life of the patient. The information at Bramalea Chiropractic is useful and can provide you with additional insights.