What is Physiotherapy, and Who Can It Be Applied To?

Physiotherapy, or more commonly known as physical therapy, is one of the health-related fields. Physical therapy aims to help patients regain functional movements that they can no longer continue due to injury, illness, trauma, or aging. Physiotherapists apply physical therapy. In physiotherapy, the treatment process continues through the use of electric current, hot or cold applications, various exercises, or movements suitable for the patient's condition. Physiotherapists work alongside specialist doctors during the physical therapy process. Specialist doctors are individuals who have completed medical education and received specialization in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who have graduated from the relevant department of universities. As a team, physiotherapists apply physical therapy treatments according to the specialist doctor's prescription and take responsibility for managing the treatment process. The goal of physiotherapy is to help patients perform or regain the movements necessary for their daily activities. Before starting treatment, data obtained from laboratories can also be used to determine what the patient should expect from the treatment. In this long and tiring process, the cooperation between the patient and the healthcare team is crucial for achieving the treatment's goals.

Who Can Benefit from Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists can be involved in the treatment of many different diseases and problems. These issues may not always be related to concrete injuries but may also arise as a result of systemic diseases (i.e., conditions that can affect the entire body). Physiotherapy can be classified according to the mechanisms through which these conditions develop:

Orthopedic (i.e., musculoskeletal problems): Physiotherapy can be applied for issues such as severe back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, lower back pain, foot disorders, sciatica, knee problems, joint issues, and similar conditions.

Neurological (i.e., nervous system problems): Physiotherapy may be required for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy (nerve damage), vertigo (severe dizziness), cerebral palsy, stroke, concussion, and similar concerns.

Autoimmune (i.e., diseases caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself): Patients suffering from conditions such as fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and similar diseases may benefit from physiotherapy.

Chronic conditions: Physiotherapy can be beneficial for conditions like asthma, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and similar issues.

Physiotherapists, who usually work alongside specialists, expect to see a reduction in musculoskeletal problems after treatment. The specialist physician decides whether the treatment should be adjusted according to the patient's condition. Physiotherapy can be applied in specialized centers, but when patients cannot visit these centers, physiotherapists may also provide physical therapy at the patient’s home.

You do not necessarily need to have one of the conditions listed above to seek physiotherapy. There may be other reasons to start physiotherapy as well. Sometimes doctors refer patients for physiotherapy to assess specific injuries or special conditions. Additionally, some of the reasons patients might seek physiotherapy include:

In case of illness: After a long-term illness or a condition that affects mobility, balance, or motor skills, physical therapy may be preferred. In some cases, physiotherapy may even be beneficial during the course of the illness.

In the presence of a chronic health condition: Certain chronic health conditions, like diabetes, can affect mobility and balance, leading individuals with these conditions to seek physiotherapy.

After surgery: Getting up and moving after surgery is a crucial part of the recovery process. If a body part like the hand, foot, or back has been operated on or affected by surgery, physiotherapy can help the patient return to their previous state or compensate for any damage as much as possible.

In case of injury: Injuries that cause significant pain or immobility typically progress with physiotherapy during the healing process.

During aging: As people age, changes occur in their bodies that affect their movements and motor functions. Physiotherapy can help patients regain some of the lost functions that arise during this process. Likewise, if the recovery process does not proceed as desired, physiotherapy can teach them how to work with the loss.

After major health crises: Major health issues like heart attacks, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe health problems can lead to serious difficulties in performing daily activities. Physiotherapy can help patients regain some or all of the functions they have lost.

In the process of improving physical performance: Athletes, and sometimes even beginners or patients, who want to perform better in fitness may seek physiotherapy to maximize their body’s performance potential. They can learn new strategies and healthy workout routines from this.

In terms of general health: Patients may also seek physiotherapy to counteract the effects of aging, stay active, maintain good health, or simply learn to improve their flexibility.

Who Should Not Undergo Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy aims to restore the functionality of the musculoskeletal system and make life easier for patients who need it. In this regard, anyone who needs it can receive physiotherapy; however, going under the guidance of a specialist physician can make the therapy more effective. As with almost every medical condition, since the side effects of the treatment and its suitability for the patient vary from case to case, it is healthier to consult your specialist physician.

What Methods Are Used in Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists work to restore patients' functional abilities and lost movements as much as possible and to help patients regain functionality. They work with patients to develop customized programs designed for this purpose. They are trained to help patients whose functions and movements are affected by various diseases, injuries, and problems. Physiotherapy can be applied to patients at all stages of life, from infancy to old age.

Physiotherapists use various methods to administer treatment, including the following:

• They may guide patients to perform specific exercises,
• They may massage muscles,
• They may use various devices for muscle stimulation,
• They may manipulate joints,
• They may suggest lifestyle changes such as walking, proper posture techniques, and more,
• They may instruct muscle stretching exercises.

They adopt a holistic approach and work with the entire body. They address not only the physical aspects of health but also the mental, psychological, and social aspects, prioritizing recovery. They work at many stages of healthcare, including preventive health services, health education, rehabilitation, and treatment. In this way, they aim to improve the quality of life by using physiotherapy methods.

Who Administers Physiotherapy Treatment?

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is administered by physiotherapists. These individuals are healthcare professionals who have graduated from the relevant departments of universities and play a role in the treatment process. It is often confused with the specialty of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists are physicians who have completed medical school and undergone specialization training in the field. The evaluation, diagnosis, and decision-making processes regarding the treatment of patients are under the control of the physicians. Physiotherapists are responsible for managing and implementing the treatment and ensuring patient compliance.

As with all treatments, healthcare workers and physicians collaborate to care for the patient's well-being.

How Long Does Physiotherapy Treatment Last?

The duration of physiotherapy varies from patient to patient. In some cases, the physical therapy process can last up to a year, while in other cases, it is much shorter. Several factors affect the length of physiotherapy, such as the chronicity of the patient's condition, the severity of any injury, age, and medical history. The patient's compliance with physiotherapy and whether they perform the prescribed exercises also significantly impacts the duration of the therapy.

If you have questions on these or similar topics, or if you think you need physiotherapy, you may want to consider consulting the nearest healthcare facility.