Methods Of Rehabilitation Used By Physical Therapists

Posted by in Physical Therapy on December 5, 2011

By Frank Dix

From generations, medical practitioners, physical practitioners and chemists are putting in a lot of effort to reduce pain, and devising methods for successful treatment. Be it age old Ayurveda using herbs, time taking but effective treatment by Yoga, relieving pain using ointments, to today’s electrical muscle simulation, alleviating pain is still a concern. Various methods used by physical therapists include mechanical methods and physical agents like applying ice packs or heat bags as an immediate resort, ultrasound techniques, manual or electrical massage at peculiar pain nerves.

Pain is also majorly relieved by using active methods and implementing exercises that include stretching of sore muscles so as to increase their flexibility and reducing their rigidness. Two widely used exercising methods include:

1. McKenzie approach for back exercise which was solely developed for centralizing and relieving pain symptoms related to back.

2. In other technique called Dynamic lumbar stabilization, pain is restricted by reducing movement at location of injury. In this technique muscles are trained to automatically provide support during any motion or activity.

Before designing and suggesting any exercise program listed above, a physical therapist needs to examine medical history of the patient and conduct physical tests. Based on the test reports, patient’s progress in the treatment is monitored.

Major areas for assessing patient’s condition are:

  • Balance and coordination
  • Motor Control
  • Range of Motion
  • Muscle Strength

If patient’s case is complicated, Diagnostics tests are executed to track brain functioning, lung tests for respiration diagnosis, nerves and muscles tests. Imaging tests like MRI, ECG are also conducted under Diagnostic tests category.

Two common exercise program types are:

  • Exercise program designed for Individual

In this type of physical therapy, individual’s movement, activity level, body types are evaluated in order to suggest and design an exercise program that can help patient. Under this domain, well trained and registered physical therapists conduct a research on patient’s background and history of problem and based on that they deliver a customized program for the patient. The pace at which exercise program is to be executed, amount of effort and practice, range of body postures may vary across different requirements of the patients. This concept makes use of trial and error method in order to find a perfect exercise for Rehabilitation of pain, as patient’s response to particular type of exercise is monitored constantly, and according to that the necessary adjustments are made.

  • Proper Exercise Technique

This technique enables patient to isolate specific muscle or muscle group that in turn raises the efficiency scale of an exercise. A physical therapist demonstrates and instructs on the proper technique for executing each cycle of exercise in individualized exercise programs. To excel in this, physical therapists need to stay in touch with latest advancement in their areas and update their skill set with the same.
Other treatment options for Rehabilitation of physical pain are:

  • Myofascial Release
  • Acupressure
  • Electrical muscle simulation
  • Electrical simulation electrotherapy
  • Trauma Resolution
  • Mechanical Traction
  • Joint Mobilization
  • Ultrasound

No Comments

Best 6 Physiotherapy Exercises for Ankle Pain and Injury in Joints

Posted by in Physical Therapy on December 5, 2011

By Derick Ng

An estimation of more than 2 million people are already facing pain in their ankle joints and this has addressed a serious health issue to all by becoming one of the most common neurological disorders – ankle pain.

Taking good care of your injured ankles is almost critical, as injury can highly reoccur again if neglected. Hence it is essential to strengthen your muscles around your ankle by practicing some physiotherapy exercises at home so as to enhance on the joint support and avoid the chances of reinjuring your ankle again.

When practicing these exercises at home, estimate your limit and perform the workouts carefully at a moderate pace that is best at your comfort level. Try repeating these exercises 5 – 10 times during each workout session and push your limit further once your condition improves. While performing the non-isometrics exercises, do remember to tie a Theraband to your table leg and place your feet in the loop so as to enhance on the difficulty level. Alternatively, you can use a long towel as a replication of Theraband.

Here are 6 physiotherapy exercises to strengthen your ankle muscles:

Isometrics Strengthening Exercises

1. Eversion Isometrics
• Place your injured foot against a table leg facing out while seated.
• Push your foot outwards the object that is against to your foot (take note that your ankle joint should not move) to perform a muscle contraction.
• Hold for 15 seconds and relax for 10 seconds.

2. Inversion Isometrics
• Place the injured foot inwards against a table leg or closed door.
• Push your foot inwards towards the object against your foot (take not that your ankle joint should not move) causing a muscle contraction.
• Hold for 15 seconds and relax for 10 seconds.

Non-Isometrics Strengthening Exercises

3. Dorsiflexion
• Working only on your ankle by pointing your foot backwards to your nose (while performing this workout, keep your knees straight). Continue until you feel discomfort or can’t tilt it back any further.
• Hold this position for 15 seconds.
• Return to neutral position.

4. Plantar flexion
• Moving only your ankle, point your foot forward (while keeping knees straight). Continue this workout until you feel discomfort.
• Hold for 15 seconds and return to neutral position.

5. Inversion
• Moving only your ankle and keep your toes up with your foot facing inwards. Make sure that your sole is facing your other leg while performing this workout. Continue until you feel discomfort or when you can no longer turn your foot inwards.
• Hold for 15 seconds and return to neutral position.

6. Eversion
• Moving only your ankle and keeping your toes up with your foot facing outwards. Continue until you feel discomfort or when you can no longer turn your foot outwards.
• Hold for 15 seconds and return to neutral position.

No Comments

Seek Relief in Massage Therapy

Posted by in Physical Therapy on December 5, 2011

By Lexor Emman

Scientific research is still ongoing to find out the solid proof to back up the benefits of massage therapy. While there are numerous claims of its benefits, the scientific and methodical support like its effects and improvement on one’s health need specific answers. But this setback can not hinder the curiosity of many individuals to seek the remedies offered by massage therapy. Its popular soothing effect has brought massage therapy at its all time popularity around the world among many people. Its acceptance is not only based on being known as an alternative medicine but likewise a relaxing and relieving experience that one derive after every session.

Presently, massage therapy has more than eight types as practice around the world. This popular alternative medicine and great body stress reliever is traced to have originated in some Arabian nations, Japan, Greece, and China a thousand years back. This practice was later adopted all over the world until this time and is now enjoyed and many have benefited from it.

As previously stated herein, while scientists continue to look for evidences regarding its health benefits, parallel researchers have discovered that massage therapy at some stages have proven to be an effective alternative medicine. There are instances that it complements traditional medical approaches. It is effective in reducing and maintaining blood pressure and heart beat rate. It relieves pain, mental depressions and treats anxiety.

Numerous patients who are regular massage therapy session attendees have consistently informed researchers that after each session, they felt relieved of their body pain that was either reduced or vanished. There are likewise unconfirmed reports that some studies are claiming that some cancer patients who have undergone massage therapy sessions have felt a great relief from pain after their session with their massage therapist.

While this seems to be favorable and truthful, it is still safe to get the approval of your medical consultant before deciding to have a massage therapy. There are patients whose medical histories would not allow them to indulge in massaging of their bodies as it could complicate their health situations. Massaging of the body is not literally simple as it involves some meridian points in the human anatomy that only qualified professional therapist knew how to handle. This fact is vital so that majority of massage therapist require the medical history of their patients. In some instances, a medical clearance allowing the patient with health problems to undergo massage therapy session is first submitted before a session is conducted.

One of the best guide in choosing the perfect massage parlor or spa is inquire about the professional background of the massage therapist. Conduct some discreet investigation and observation about the kind of services they render to their customers. Never rely on price of their service but rather on how good the massage therapist coordinates and communicates with his or her clients. The first gauge is how the professional therapist advises his or her cus5tomer on what to do and preparations needed before the massage session. If the therapist failed to inform you that a full stomach is unhealthy during the therapy session, this clearly indicates that the therapist lacks the proper training; hence you have to scout for the qualified one who could provide you the relief you are seeking in massage therapy.

No Comments