Physical therapy: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Physical therapy is a type of medical care that helps people regain and improve physical abilities that have been lost or injured due to illness, injury, or simply inactivity. Physical therapists use various techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy (massage), ultrasound treatment and electrical stimulation.

• Manual physical therapy: Manual physical therapy involves the use of hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve motion. This type of therapy can include massage, stretching, joint mobilisation and manual traction for the spine.
• Exercise Therapy: Exercise therapy is a component of physical therapy that involves specific exercises to improve strength, mobility and overall quality of life. This may involve stretching, balance exercises, strengthening exercises and aerobic exercise.
• Posture Education: Posture education is a component of physical therapy that focuses on teaching proper posture in order to reduce pain and optimise bodily alignment. This can include education on how to sit correctly at work, in school or while driving as well as how to stand better during activities or tasks throughout the day.
• Mechanical traction: Mechanical traction is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of machines or devices to apply force in order to reduce pain as well as increase range of motion in a particular joint or area of the body. It is commonly used for neck and lower back pain relief but can also be used in other areas such as shoulders or hips.
• Wound Care Therapy: Wound care physical therapy involves providing treatment for wounds such as cuts, scrapes and abrasions due to medical conditions such as diabetes or vascular diseases that have reduced blood supply which may cause difficulty healing from any wound injuries sustained from everyday activities like sports injuries during playtime (with children) etc. This type of treatment may involve wound debridement (removal of dead tissue), dressings (gauzes) & other medical grade wraps/materials, compression bandaging/ stockings , Medicare approved splints & braces etc.

• Improved quality of life: Reduced pain, restored function and improved mobility.
• Improved fitness levels: Enhance muscle strength, flexibility and coordination.
• Injury prevention: Learn correct and safe ways to use the body.
• Injury recovery: Accelerate healing process after an injury, surgery or trauma.
• Increased endurance: Enhance the heart's ability to pump blood more efficiently.
• Improved posture: Develop alignment of the spine and strengthen core muscles.

• To reduce pain and improve mobility: Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve joint, muscle and nerve function to increase flexibility, range of motion, strength and coordination.
• To maximise independence: Physical therapists can give treatment plans to help people with physical impairments regain independence and self-care in the activities of everyday life.
• To prevent injuries: Physical therapists can provide advice on proper body mechanics, posture, body alignment and exercise techniques to decrease injury risk.
• To rehabilitate after an injury or surgery: Physical therapy is used to restore strength, flexibility, endurance and mobility following a sports or recreational injury, or surgery.
• To promote better overall health: Regular physical activity is important for physical health as well as mental well-being; physical therapists work with patients on individualised exercise plans that are tailored to the patient's goals and abilities.

The risks associated with physical therapy are generally minor, and most people benefit from the treatments they receive. However, there are a few potential risks of physical therapy that should be considered. These include:-

• Physical discomfort or pain: Treatment techniques may cause some soreness or discomfort as your muscles adjust to the strain of exercise.
• Injury: There is a risk of injury when exercising, which can be further compounded when inexperienced clinicians are performing treatments with unfamiliar equipment.
• Delayed results: Because each person’s body responds differently to treatment, results from physical therapy may take longer than expected for some patients.
• Post-Therapy Pain: Unfortunately, some patients may experience prolonged pain after their initial physical therapy session in the form of muscle soreness or fatigue due to muscle overuse during the session itself.

Preparing for physical therapy is important to ensure that you get the most out of your sessions and reach your desired outcome. To prepare, follow these steps:

• Make sure that you have a clear understanding of the goals of physical therapy and how they will help to improve your overall health.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will allow for easy movement and are conducive to the activities that you will be performing in physical therapy.
• Bring any medications, supplements or medical devices prescribed by your doctor as well as a list of any allergies or current medical conditions you may have.
• Prepare a list of any questions or concerns about physical therapy beforehand so that you can discuss them with the therapist during your appointment.
• Be ready to provide information on any recent injuries experienced which may not have been previously noted, as well as changes in lifestyle such as diet, exercise, sleep habits or job demands since starting treatment which may influence the success of your physical therapy program.

Physical therapy is a treatment that involves exercises and other physical activities, to support people in improving or maintaining their physical strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion.

A physical therapist creates a custom treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual needs. The plan may involve activities like stretching, aerobics, massage, heat and cold therapy or muscle strengthening exercises. Physical therapists also educate patients on ways to prevent future injury or manage existing pain.

• A full assessment should be made.
• Tests and measurements should be taken.
• The medical history of the patient should be reviewed.
• Goals for the session should be established.

• Proper positioning of the patient should be ensured.
• Techniques and treatments chosen should be explained to the patient and performed as instructed by a licensed physical therapist or physician assistants under their supervision.
• Corrections, if needed, should be made as necessary by a licensed physical therapist or physician assistants under their supervision during treatment sessions to ensure safety of the patient and effectiveness of treatments prescribed .

An evaluation of progress towards achieving goals set prior to session should be documented and provided with instructional handouts on proper home exercises or follow-up visits as needed. Recommendations for continued care may also need to be provided.

Physical therapy costs vary in India depending on the type of physical therapy provided, the location of the clinic, and other factors. Generally speaking, the cost for physical therapy services ranges from ₹1000 - ₹6000 per session.The frequency of sessions also affects the total cost, as do any laboratory or radiological tests that your physical therapist may recommend.

• Depending on your specific injury or condition, there are a variety of foods that can help promote quick and healthy recovery after physical therapy.
• Some recommended foods include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and dairy.
• Additionally, increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and nuts can also be beneficial.
• Hydrating with plenty of fluids like water or non-caffeinated beverages is also an important factor to consider when thinking about after physical therapy nutrition.

Yes, physical therapy is generally very safe when provided by a qualified professional. Physical therapists are trained to assess and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs, as well as take measures to ensure that all treatments are conducted in a safe and effective manner.

The answer to this question depends greatly on the type of physical therapy you are receiving and the area being treated.

In most cases, physical therapy will involve some discomfort, but for the most part it should not be extremely painful.

The length of time it takes to recover from physical therapy will depend on the individual and the type of physical therapy that they are receiving. Generally, recovery time can range anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and complexity of the injury or condition.

• The most common side effects of physical therapy are:-
• Muscle fatigue
• Soreness or pain in the area where treatment was performed.
• Difficulty sleeping as a result of muscle soreness.
• Decreased range of motion during or after physical therapy until muscles become accustomed to the exercise.
• Temporary swelling in the area treated.
• Bruising in areas with deep tissue massage.
• Allergic reactions to tape, topical treatments, gels and lotions.

• Follow your Physical Therapist’s exercise and stretching recommendations.
• Continue with a healthy lifestyle: eat nutritiously, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.
• Consider complementary programs such as yoga or Pilates to promote further injury prevention and optimised performance.
• Schedule periodic appointments with your Physical Therapist for movement screenings or evaluations to help maintain physical health long-term.

Physical therapy can be an effective way to manage pain, improve physical functioning, and enhance quality of life. Through the use of experienced clinicians who are committed to evidence-based practice and current best practices, physical therapy can be effective at helping individuals move towards better health and better living.