World Physiotherapy (Physical Therapy) Day

Hello World, Its Physiotherapy Day or for the West,  Physical Therapy Day. In some Countries they are also called Kinesiologists.Those who have ever been to a Physiotherapist, sought of have an idea of what we do. Still there are many who have a skewed perception. There are so many people out there who don’t know what Physiotherapists do or what  the specialization of such a Job Profile is.

Today, With the Idea of creating awareness I pen down my opinions of what a Physiotherapist really does and what conditions they  treat and how  they are slowly expanding to specialize in various fields proving high-end services.

While this field creates Pioneers in various Specializations, Lets get down to the basics.

Physical therapists provide services that develop, maintain and restore people’s maximum movement and functional ability as defined by WCPT.

Basically if you have difficulty moving, walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs  or even turning in bed, Physiotherapists can help you out. We are movement specialists. Any dysfunction and improper or faulty movements should be something that is addressed in your Physiotherapy Sessions.

Lets take a look at a few common conditions Physiotherapists treat in various Specialized Fields.

Orthopedic Conditions: Some General conditions are mentioned below:

Dysfunctions due to Degenerative changes:

• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Periarthritis of the Shoulder
• Shoulder Impingement
• Cervical Spondylosis
• Low Back Ache
• Headaches
• Lumbar Canal Stenosis and many others.

Dysfunctions can also occur due to Repetitive movement patterns in a wrong posture such as Slouching,Staying on computer for long, stirring your food while cooking, Making Rotis, lifting heavy items overhead, to mention a few.

Sports Conditions:

Sports include High speed, Agility , Strength and Immense power. Hence. Injuries are a part and parcel of an athletes life.

• Contusions
• Fractures
• Shin Splints
• Tendinopathies
• Muscle Strain/Sprains
• Plantar Fascitis
• Injury Prevention

Many of the sports conditions also overlap with the orthopedic ones  and are not mutually exclusive.

Neurological Conditions:

Many conditions of Neuro means brain or nerve
origin also require the help of Physiotherapists

• Stroke  which causes Hemiplegia.
• Spinal Cord Injuries  which might lead to Diplegia, Paraplegia depending upon the level and type of injury.
• Nerve Injuries: Peripheral Nerve Injuries like Foot Drop
• Parkinsonism, Multiple Sclerosis, Leprosy

Pediatric Conditions:

Many a times kids have some Birth Related and developemental issues.

• Developemental Delays
• Cerebral Palsy
• Erbs Palsy-Flail arm
• Genetic Conditions such as Downs Syndrome

Many more conditions like Co-ordination Issue- Dyspraxia, Fine Motor Skills, Pes Equinus etc are in the scope of Physiotherapy Treatments.

Chest and Cardiac  called Cardiothoracic Physiotherapists:

• Mainly in a hospital based setting for Post Operative Patients to Improve Breathing
• Maintaining Cardiac Fitness
• Asthma, Bronchitis and related issues.

Obstetrics and Gynaec Related Issues: 

This is one specialization of Physiotherapists which not many People know about!

• Physiotherapy is very helpful Pre and Post Pregnancy
• In fact it is also beneficial during pregnancy
• Uterine Prolapse
• Pelvic Floor Weakness, Urinary Incontinence

Geriatric:

• Old age Visio-Spatial Problems
• Balance Related
• Degenerative Conditions
• Coping Strategies

Mental Health:

One of the few new Fields that the Physiotherapist have touched.. Read my Guest Post on Mental Health in Physiotherapy.

Vascular –Wound Care

Slowly and steadily Physiotherapists are creating footing in many other specializations which I might have missed out in spite of trying to be all-inclusive. The field has achieved depth and width which cannot be elaborated in a post like this.

There are a few Conditions which fall out of the scope of Physiotherapists.. I am mentioning a few which have been repeatedly inquired by, by my patients.

• Varicose Veins
• Doesn’t Increase height.. Once my patient joking asked ;D

So lets keep this post short .. And now you probably know when you or someone in your family needs to visit a Physiotherapist..

Move well, Unleash your Hidden Potential and Stay pain-free..

Until Next time… Adios 🙂 Happy WOrld Physiotherapy Day !!!