Physiotherapy is an effective method of recovery and rehabilitation after injuries and surgeries. It involves the application of various physical factors such as electric currents, ultrasound, infrared radiation, magnetic fields and others to improve body functions and accelerate healing.
Physical therapy is used in many areas of medicine, including trauma, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, and others. Physical therapists prescribe physical therapy treatments for patients after various surgeries and injuries. Physiotherapy is prescribed to restore motor functions, strengthen muscles and joints, improve blood circulation and tissue regeneration.
When is physical therapy prescribed?
Physical therapy is indicated after various types of injuries and surgeries, including but not limited to:
- orthopedic injuries (fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, muscle strains and tendon injuries),
- joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder and other joint replacement surgeries),
- spinal surgeries (disc surgeries and spinal stabilization procedures),
- sports injuries (sprains, strains, muscle tears and other sports-related injuries),
- neurological diseases (stroke, traumatic injury to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves).
Methods of physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic treatment is a set of techniques that can be used both separately from each other and in various combinations. Among the most effective in the field of traumatology and orthopedics:
- Magnetotherapy: This method uses magnetic fields to affect the body, improving microcirculation and speeding up recovery processes. It is used to treat inflammation, pain, and tissue repair after injury.
- Electrophoresis: This method uses direct electric current to inject medication into the body’s tissues through the skin. Electrophoresis helps to reduce inflammation, improve metabolism, and speed up the healing of injuries.
- Ultrasound: This method uses high frequency sound waves to deeply warm tissues, improving circulation and stimulating healing. Ultrasound is effective for joint and soft tissue disorders, as well as recovery from surgery.
- Laser therapy: Laser treatment activates cellular processes, improves tissue regeneration and reduces pain. This method is used to treat inflammation, injuries and joint diseases, as well as to improve the general condition of the body.
- Shockwave Therapy: Acoustic wave therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation and stimulates tissue regeneration. This method is effectively used for chronic joint and soft tissue pain, as well as for the treatment of calcifications in muscles and tendons.
Benefits of physiotherapy in rehabilitation
The role of physiotherapy in rehabilitation is difficult to overestimate, because this direction of medicine allows you to restore the functions of the body, restore mobility, and improve the quality of life.
- Analgesia. Using various techniques, including low-force electric current, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation, magnetic fields, and pulsed currents to help manage pain.
- Restoring range of motion. One of the directions of physical therapy in rehabilitation – magnetotherapy – involves the impact of magnetic fields on tissues, bones and joints. The method is effective for recovery after fractures, in osteochondrosis to restore and improve joint flexibility, muscle strength and overall mobility.
- Acceleration of recovery. Physical procedures 1.5-2 times reduce the time of treatment, returning the ability to serve themselves in the home, the ability to perform work tasks, and engage in sports.
- Reducing the number of medications taken. Despite the obvious benefits of medications in the treatment of various diseases, they are still synthetic substances that can have a negative impact on organs and systems. The possibility to reduce the period of taking medications, provided by the effect of physiotherapy, is another advantage.
- Rehabilitation after complex surgeries. Physiotherapists are skilled in bringing back to life after major surgeries such as fractures, joint replacements, spinal surgeries and more. They tailor treatment approaches to the specific needs of each patient.
Contraindications
While physical therapy is generally safe and beneficial, there are some contraindications to consider:
- acute inflammatory diseases, open wounds and ulcers on the skin,
- infectious diseases in acute form. In the presence of active infection, physiotherapy should be postponed until recovery,
- oncologic processes in the body,
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- psychiatric disorders,
- epilepsy,
- pacemaker, metal implants,
- serious cardiovascular pathologies.
The role of physiotherapy in preventing recurrence of injuries
One of the key benefits of physiotherapy, particularly in rehabilitation after injury, is its role in preventing the recurrence of injuries. By focusing on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring proper movement patterns, physiotherapy helps individuals regain their functional capacity while also addressing any imbalances or weaknesses that may have led to the original injury. This proactive approach not only accelerates recovery but also reduces the risk of future injuries by promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.
Regular physiotherapy sessions post-rehabilitation ensure that the body is prepared for physical activities, whether it’s returning to sports or simply engaging in daily tasks without fear of re-injury.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery and rehabilitation process after injuries and surgeries, providing a wide range of techniques to promote healing, restore function, and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s recovering from orthopedic injuries, joint replacements, or neurological conditions, physiotherapy offers a tailored approach to help patients regain mobility and strength. The various methods, such as magnetotherapy, ultrasound, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy, work together to reduce pain, speed up recovery, and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself.
Moreover, physiotherapy not only aids in the immediate rehabilitation but also serves as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of future injuries through muscle strengthening, flexibility improvements, and restoring proper movement patterns. While the benefits are vast, it’s important to be aware of the contraindications, and physiotherapy should always be administered under the supervision of a licensed specialist to ensure safety and effectiveness. In summary, physiotherapy is an essential component of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, helping patients return to their daily activities and improving their quality of life.
