Orthopedic Physiotherapy Deals with Our Body’s Musculoskeletal Systems
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the recovery process. Surgeries that involve the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems often require physiotherapy sessions to help with patient rehabilitation. Additionally, physiotherapy can help with some illnesses, including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and spina bifida, allowing patients to regain their old posture and gait. As the name suggest, Orthopedic Physiotherapy deals with our body’s musculoskeletal systems. It focusses on tendons, joints, ligaments, and the bones.
In a Nutshell:
Orthopedic Physiotherapy is required when treating disorders, diseases and injuries pertaining to the bones of our body, associated muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Both post and pre surgical physiotherapy can be required.
Orthopedic conditions that may benefit from this include:
- Strained, sprained or torn ligaments
- Inflamed tendons and/or Bursa
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Fracture rehabilitation
- Spondylolysis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Rehabilitation post shoulder, hip, foot or ankle surgeries
The Aims of Orthopedic Physiotherapy
An Orthopedic Physiotherapist will aim to provide the patient with pain relief, enhanced range of motion, increased flexibility and strength and restore the movements that have become restricted after surgery or illness. This is not an overnight process. It takes time, dedication and full cooperation from the patient’s’ side. With this aim, preoperative sessions have been introduced in many hospitals where a patient is prepared to deal with the postoperative trauma both physically and cardiovascularly. Therapists educate their patients about the rehabilitation process, time and importance of their active participation. This ensures much faster recovery.
The Processes of Orthopedic Physiotherapy
Orthopedic Physiotherapy can involve the following:
- Manual Therapy: This is the first step where joints are moved to reduce pain and gently restore mobility.
- Massage: Depending upon the orthopedic conditions, therapy includes light pressure massage, deep friction massage and break down of ligamentous or muscular scar tissues.
- Ultrasound: A machine can be used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the affected area to create a macro-massage effect, which works as pain relief and helps regenerate tissues.
- Acupuncture: This is widely known as an alternative therapy , but it has been successfully implemented to treat a variety of conditions.
- Home Exercises: This is a programme designed scientifically to improve the posture, movement, mobility, muscle strength and condition of joints and spines. These programmes are customised as per each patient’s particular needs.
It is important to remember that the sooner orthopedic conditions are diagnosed and addressed, the quicker will be the recovery. But that certainly does not imply you can start running the day after the surgery. It takes time for the damage to set in, so it will take its own time to heal as well. Orthopedic Physiotherapy is a means to make that healing process easier and faster.
