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THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN HEALTH

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The Role of Physiotherapists In Health


When you're in an accident or suffer from a certain illness and you sustain injuries from it, you need to seek medical attention. However, there are instances wherein even after your injuries are healed, you still find it hard to move and function normally. This is where physiotherapy becomes essential to ensure that you get to enjoy the mobility that you once had before the accident or the illness that you have been diagnosed with. This article tackles the role of physiotherapists in health.


Injuries from Sports or Accidents 

Physiotherapists can help restore the health of people who have suffered from sports injuries or who recently had an accident. However, according to Dave O’Sullivan, a chartered physiotherapist with a master's degree in strengthening and conditioning, you need to genuinely understand your specific treatment plan. The reason behind this is that the therapy treatment that may work for one person may prove to be ineffective to another. The treatment plan largely depends on the type of injuries that you are trying to address. For athletes, regular physiotherapy sessions may prove to be essential even if they are not injured. The reason behind this is that they are subjected to a great risk of injuries because of the physical demand of most sports. With regular sessions with a physiotherapist, their range of motion is increased, reducing the likelihood that they suffer from any future injuries.



Post Operative Care 

Physiotherapists can also foster the recovery of people who have just undergone surgery. To fully gain your strength and flexibility after an operation, there is a great chance that your doctor will refer you to a physiotherapist who will be able to help you hasten your recovery process. For instance, you may be provided with simple exercises to reduce the chance of blood clots or infections while you are still in the hospital. As soon as you are discharged and sent home, you may need to continue with these exercises. However, it may be insufficient in strengthening your body and increasing your mobility, which is why you may need the help of a physiotherapist. 


Limited Range of Motion 

People who are getting old tend to experience a limited range of motion. This can be attributed to some factors such as the repetitive nature of their jobs which can cause substantial damage to their ligaments, muscles, as well as the nerves surrounding their joints. In this case, even relatively young people can suffer from a limited range of motion. This is where a physiotherapist will be able to help you. They will design a treatment plan specifically for you to help you safely move your body’s joints and soft tissues, gradually stretching your muscles to achieve full mobility over time. More often than not, you need to complete a specific number of sessions for the treatment to fully work its wonders to your body.



Pain Management 

One of the most common reasons why people seek the help of a physiotherapist is to help them alleviate their pain, regardless of whether it is from an injury that they have sustained or from the nature of their day-to-day activities. A reliable physiotherapist will be able to target the problem area causing incredible pain. As soon as they can identify the root cause of your pain, they will be able to come up with specific exercises and a combination of therapies that will help relieve the symptoms of your pain and eventually prevent it from recurring. 


Pregnancy and Postpartum 

Some pregnant women go for the services of a physiotherapist to help them with their pregnancy journey. During pregnancy, the female body undergoes various changes that can limit their mobility. It is during these instances that the services of a physiotherapist may come in handy. For other women, a treatment plan from a physiotherapist is essential after giving birth to help their bodies recover. Rest assured that physiotherapists have extensive knowledge when it comes to the muscles, ligaments, and joints, helping them understand the exercises that are appropriate for the body during pregnancy, as well as in the early months after having a baby.



Weight Management 

People who are struggling to maintain their ideal weight may also benefit from the help of a physiotherapist. They may be able to help you identify the potential areas that may be limiting your ability in losing or gaining weight as necessary. Apart from promoting physical health and weight management through an active lifestyle, they will also be able to provide sound advice on the diet that you need to foster the achievement of your weight goals. 


Disease Management 

Various studies show that physiotherapy can greatly help in preventing, treating, and managing certain diseases and ailments such as hypertension, arthritis, and even diabetes. However, the treatment plan can vary accordingly, depending on the certain disease that is being treated. Some treatment plans only involve exercise regimens to mitigate the symptoms at home, while others use more extensive and direct treatments such as electrotherapy or muscular manipulation to manage pain.



Vertigo 

Even people suffering from vertigo or dizziness can benefit from the services of a licensed and reputable physiotherapist. The reason behind this is that vertigo is usually a symptom of a certain ailment that can be addressed with the proper therapy plan. However, it is important to seek the advice of a physician before getting into a physiotherapy session because vertigo or extreme dizziness can be an indication of a more serious medical condition. 


Physiotherapy is based on science but at the same time, it takes a holistic approach to foster healing and the overall wellbeing of an individual. This is the reason why it proves to be beneficial when you are trying to recover from an accident or surgery and experiencing a limited range of motion. It also helps in pain management, pregnancy and postpartum, as well as weight and disease management. Even people suffering from vertigo can benefit from the services of a physiotherapist. In this case, there is no reason for you not to see a reliable physiotherapist, particularly when you know that you can benefit from their services.


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