What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy treats restrictions in the body’s ability to move and function and is a medically prescribed remedy. It is a useful supplement and sometimes alternative to surgery or medication. In addition to physiotherapeutic exercises, physiotherapy also includes physical measures, massages and manual lymph drainage.
Physiotherapy can be performed on an inpatient basis (in a hospital, rehabilitation center, etc.) or on an outpatient basis (in a physiotherapy practice). In addition, there is also mobile physiotherapy. In this case, the physiotherapist comes to the patient. This has the advantage that the patient can practice certain movements in his familiar environment. Mobile physiotherapy is also useful for patients whose illness or physical limitation makes it difficult or even impossible for them to visit a practice.
Extended outpatient physiotherapy is a special variant: in addition to general physiotherapeutic care, it includes medical rehabilitation training that restores the patient’s performance both privately and at work.
Sports physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy is primarily aimed at the care and training of athletes as well as the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Important components include warming up, stretching, the correct performance of physiotherapy or physiotherapeutic exercises and, if necessary, the treatment of sports-related injuries.
Physiotherapy according to Bobath (physiotherapy according to Bobath)
Physiotherapy according to Bobath helps people with neurological (originating from the brain and nerves) dysfunctions: Patients train and repeat certain movement sequences until new nerve fibers and synapses have formed. The method is used primarily after strokes or in the case of congenital movement disorders.
Physiotherapy according to Vojta (physiotherapy according to Vojta)
In physiotherapy according to Vojta, the physiotherapist triggers reflexes using targeted pressure. The combination of several reflexes from certain initial positions is intended to activate muscle function.
Physiotherapy according to Schroth (physiotherapy according to Schroth)
Sports physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy is primarily aimed at the care and training of athletes as well as the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Important components include warming up, stretching, the correct performance of physiotherapy or physiotherapeutic exercises and, if necessary, the treatment of sports-related injuries.
Physiotherapy according to Bobath (physiotherapy according to Bobath)
Physiotherapy according to Bobath helps people with neurological (originating from the brain and nerves) dysfunctions: Patients train and repeat certain movement sequences until new nerve fibers and synapses have formed. The method is used primarily after strokes or in the case of congenital movement disorders.
Physiotherapy according to Vojta (physiotherapy according to Vojta)
In physiotherapy according to Vojta, the physiotherapist triggers reflexes using targeted pressure. The combination of several reflexes from certain initial positions is intended to activate muscle function.
Physiotherapy according to Schroth (physiotherapy according to Schroth)
Back school
In the back school, you learn what keeps your back healthy. The course program consists of various modules, such as knowledge about back-friendly posture and movement behavior, relaxation techniques, and body awareness training. The aim is to prevent or alleviate back pain. You can learn more about this topic in the article Back School.
When do you do physiotherapy?
The goals of physiotherapy are determined primarily by the patient and his or her clinical picture. Basically, the aim is to relieve pain, promote metabolism and circulation, and improve or maintain mobility, coordination, strength and endurance. In addition to the patient’s age and condition, physiotherapy should also take into account the patient’s everyday living circumstances. The course of the disease also plays an important role.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Diseases of the nervous system
A wide spectrum of neurological diseases makes use of the treatment options of physiotherapy. This applies, for example, to paralysis, movement and functional disorders following cranial and spinal cord injuries, damage to the central nervous system (CNS) at birth, paraplegic syndromes and multiple sclerosis. With the help of physiotherapeutic measures, the interaction of sensory and motor functions of the patients is trained.
Diseases of the internal organs
In the case of diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis, the symptoms can be alleviated by training effective breathing and special coughing techniques, thus improving the quality of life. In cases of constriction of the vessels or lymphatic channels, regular walking training improves blood circulation and endurance while reducing pain. Disorders of bowel function such as Crohn’s disease can also be treated supportively using physiotherapy.
What do you do during physiotherapy?
The first visit to the physiotherapist usually consists of an anamnesis – taking the patient’s medical history in conversation – and a thorough examination, during which, among other things, the strength of the muscles and mobility are checked and pain is precisely localized. Using the information from the interview and examination, the physical therapist then creates a physical therapy plan and discusses individual goals with the patient.
Depending on the therapy plan, active, assisted and passive exercises are performed at regular intervals. In passive physical therapy exercises, the physical therapist moves the patient’s joints without the patient’s muscles cooperating. This improves mobility and promotes blood circulation. At the same time, contractures and stiffness are avoided.
Assistive physiotherapy exercises require the patient to exert muscle force himself. However, the movements are assisted by the physiotherapist or special physiotherapy equipment. If the training takes place in water, the buoyancy is used as an assistive force.
What are the risks of physiotherapy?
Correctly performed, physiotherapy carries hardly any risks. However, if the exercises are performed carelessly or incorrectly, bruising, inflammation or other injuries may occur. Exercises designed to coordinate and treat dizziness are associated with an increased risk of falling.
What do I need to keep in mind after physical therapy?
Independent exercises should also be done at home. In this way, the healing process can be accelerated.
The increased strain on individual muscle groups can cause muscle soreness, but this is not dangerous. Exhaustion and fatigue are also symptoms that can result from the increased physical work. If pain or injury occurs after physiotherapy, a visit to the doctor is advisable.
