Physiotherapy is an integral part of the area of medical science. It is the study of natural remedies treatment methods based on various forms of physical energy found in the human environment, such as movement, thermal, kinetic, mechanical, electrical, light, and chemical stimuli.
According to the definition of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT), “Physiotherapy” means the provision of services to individuals or populations of persons aimed at developing, maintaining, and restoring their maximum motor and functional abilities.
These services can only be provided by a physiotherapist, or under his guidance and supervision. The WCPT clearly states that, as part of its services, a physiotherapist has the competence to research, assess, evaluate, functional diagnosis, prognosis, programming the procedure,
Physiotherapy is a discipline dealing with the elimination of effects or mitigation of disease processes and their consequences, their prevention, and restoration of human fitness throughout his life, is located in the field of medical sciences.
Due to its nature, it is related to the methodically conducted process of developing, maintaining, and restoring the maximum motor and functional abilities of a human being, it also draws on physical culture, behavioral and social sciences (psychological, pedagogical, and sociological). While participating in the health care system and stimulating the reforms taking place in it, it uses the achievements of economic sciences, management, and public health. Physiotherapy is closely related to bioethics, especially axiology.
Studies in Physiotherapy are closely related to independent practice that uses knowledge of basic and clinical sciences to create, perform, verify and modify the rehabilitation/physiotherapy program for people with various dysfunctions – according to their clinical and functional state.
This requires, first of all, knowledge of basic sciences, regarding the theory, methodology, and practice of physiotherapy and functional diagnostics, as well as the ability to perform physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, manual therapy, and massage procedures, and the use of special measures, treatments, and methods. Functional tests and tests are necessary not only for the proper selection of physiotherapy measures and therapeutic methods but also to control the effects of physiotherapy,
What Physiotherapists do in Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists treat dysfunctions of the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Most often, patients come to the office because:
– they have suffered a craniocerebral or multi-organ trauma,
– broken bone or damaged a joint,
– they have diagnosed osteoporosis or degenerative changes in the joints,
– they suffer from chronic diseases such as SM, SLA, Mpd, asthma.
– experience pain in the spine (most often in the lumbar or cervical spine) or peripheral joints,
– have had a stroke,
– have experienced a spinal cord injury,
Previously, patients went to a physiotherapist on the recommendation of an orthopedist, neurologist, and rheumatologist. Nowadays, more and more often they turn directly to physiotherapists who work individually or are part of a therapeutic team together with doctors, social workers, and representatives of other professional groups working in the health service.
The activity of a physiotherapist is multifaceted, as it includes: neurological and orthopedic physiotherapy, correction of posture defects, specific analysis and therapy of pain ailments of the musculoskeletal system, spine, and peripheral joints, supplemented by physiotherapy, balneotherapy.
Nowadays, physiotherapists more and more often focus their work on the therapy of specific types of disorders. Thus, there are neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation clinics, as well as centers specializing in pain therapy. The modern physiotherapeutic impact is based on a thorough examination before starting the therapeutic procedure, and then monitoring the course of rehabilitation and its continuous adaptation to the current condition and capabilities of the patient.
The work of a physiotherapist is primarily close contact with the patient. To practice this profession, you must be an empathetic, kind, and the emotionally resistant person at the same time. People with various health problems visit a physiotherapist. That is why it is important for a representative of this profession to be able to keep his patient’s spirits up at the same time, and on the other hand, not to experience every individual tragedy, but his own personal one.
A physical therapist must be patient, thorough, and gentle. His attitude should motivate patients and not let them lose faith in the success of the therapy. The psychological foundations learned during the studies are also important.
Since it is a multi-movement profession, the physical therapist needs to be agile and strong.
Another article on this blog that may interests you:
English