| l therapy is a cure not just a temporary relief | | | | weakness problem involved. |
| from all those body aches and pains a person | | | | The process of physical therapy entails |
| suffers from. Unlike ordinary massages, physical | | | | rehabilitation of the physical body and mindset of |
| therapy looks into the physical problems of an | | | | a patient. Exercises including stretching, balance |
| individual to prevent them from further | | | | and coordination performed at the facility or at |
| deteriorating and affecting a major part of his life. | | | | home are given to suit the patient’s |
| And as this is a science, it aims to promote | | | | condition, medicines and vitamins may be |
| physical endurance and stability in muscle and | | | | prescribed by the doctor and electrical stimulation |
| bone coordination. | | | | and massage may be applied on affected parts |
| People who can greatly benefit from physical | | | | of the body. Other treatment methods used are |
| therapy include those with temporary and | | | | trigger point release, soft tissue release, |
| permanent disabilities as well as those experiencing | | | | myofascial stretching, muscle re-education, |
| pains in certain parts of their body. The goal here | | | | re-conditioning program and specific strengthening |
| is to relieve a patient from pain and allow him or | | | | of weak muscles such as those suffered by |
| her to lead a normal life performing his daily tasks | | | | stroke patients. |
| with no difficulty. It targets the musculoskeletal, | | | | In addition to the physical aspect, patients may |
| neuromusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and | | | | also undergo emotional therapy. This is to |
| integument systems of the body. Specifically, the | | | | encourage them to go on with their therapy and |
| major benefits are as follows: | | | | not be frustrated with their condition. A positive |
| ? Increase and maintain muscle strength and | | | | outlook is vital in order for the therapy to take its |
| endurance; | | | | full effect. It is also essential that patients follow |
| ? Regain joint range of motion; | | | | the instructions of physical therapists to the letter. |
| ? Reduce pain; | | | | Exercises should be performed continuously even |
| ? Reduce muscle spasm; | | | | at home to maintain the body’s strength |
| ? Lessen joint swelling and inflammation; | | | | and posture. |
| ? Prevent deformity of limbs; | | | | Physical therapy has different types. The |
| ? Correct walking problems; | | | | orthopedic therapy is the most common and |
| ? Educate patients and their family; and | | | | normally done in the hospital after surgery. |
| ? Lessen stress. | | | | Pediatric physical therapy is aimed at determining |
| While adults are often the major beneficiaries, | | | | the health problems of infants, children and |
| children can also benefit from physical therapy. | | | | adolescents while geriatric therapy focuses on |
| Kids experiencing developmental delays as well as | | | | older people suffering from osteoporosis and |
| muscle and joint weaknesses early in life can be | | | | other problems related to aging. Neurological |
| aided by a physiatrist in regaining their strength | | | | therapy is for people with neurological diseases |
| and balance. Exercises and ultrasound therapies | | | | such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, |
| are also applied depending on the physical | | | | Alzheimer’s and brain injuries. |