Variation of Treatments in Physiotherapy

Manual Therapy

It is a clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques which helps to reduce soft tissue inflammation and increases range of motion (ROM).

Other Benefit:-

  • Manipulation/mobilization to diagnose and treat soft tissues/joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain.
  • Reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation
  • Inducing relaxation
  • Improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility and/or stability.
  • Facilitating movement and improvement function

Ultrasound

It is a method of stimulating the tissue beneath the skin’s surface using very high frequency sound waves.

Primary Benefit:-

  • Speeds up the healing process from the increase in blood flow in the treated area.
  • Decrease in pain from the reduction of inflammation and oedema.
  • Provides a gentle massage of muscles, tendons and/or ligaments in the treated area as there is no strain
    added and any scar tissue is softened.

Interferential (IFT)

IFT is one of various types of physical therapy equipment. It uses a mid-frequency signal to treat muscular spasms and strains. The current produces a massaging effect over the affected area at periodic intervals and this therefore stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which is the body’s natural pain relievers. This will relax strained muscles and promotes soft tissue healing.

IFT is used in 4 clinical applications to:

  • Relieve pain
  • Stimulate muscles
  • Increase local blood flow

Ice Stone Therapy (Cryotherapy)

Cryotherapy is the local or general use of low temperatures in medical therapy. When cryotherapy is applied to the affected area, it will decrease the cells’ metabolism activity and decrease the permeability of tissues surrounding the wounded area so as to minimise any tissue debris that may enter the affected area. This therefore will then increase cell survivability, decrease pain and spasm and promote vasoconstriction. The result of it is a decrease in inflammation.

Mechanical Traction

It is a term that describes the relief of pressure on one or many spinal discs and pinched nerves (neural impingement) of the spinal column. Spinal traction (cervical/lumbar) can be achieved non-surgically and is used to treat conditions that results in chronic back pain such as disc bulge, slipped disc, sciatica, degenerative spondylolisthesis and many more. Spinal traction is achieved through the use of a mechanical traction device, which reduces the body’s natural propensity to resist external force and/or generate muscle spasm. The results of spinal traction include pain relief, proper spinal alignment, and decompressed joints. Spinal traction stretches the muscles and bones in the back to combat the effects of gravity.

Aqua Jogging

Aqua jogging is a good exercise method for elderly people and overweight people because of its low impact to the muscles and it helps to burn more calories due to the water resistance. This combination avoids muscle soreness, stress fractures and aching joints. To start aqua jogging, an individual need only swimming wear and an aqua jogging belt. The  aqua belt helps with maintaining the proper upright position and support the individual in the water. The purpose of aqua belt is to balance ourself in the water.

Taping

Taping is good, as it still allows for the range of motion, not much as it may inure the individual again. It provides a continuous amount of stabilization to the affected area and gives muscles/ligaments a chance to rebuild and restore by taking the pressure off those areas that have been worked manually. Taping can also be used to help with alignment. If an individual has an area of the body that is not properly aligned, taping can bring the body back into alignment. Having the correct alignment can decrease pain and help the joints recover efficiently.