Types of Physiotherapy I

Different types of methods of physiotherapy are:
• Exercise
• Manual Therapy
• Education
• Specialized Treatments
• Cold and Ice
• Heat
• Hydrotherapy
• Ultrasound
• Electrical Stimulation

Exercise
Any physical activity performed by you other than your day to day activities, which helps in improving the flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination is a part of exercise. Walking a few meters extra everyday also forms a part of exercise. Any procedure of Physiotherapy generally involves some sort of exercise which is designed specially for the type of injury or disorder. These exercises help in restoring the normal functioning and also prevent disorders in the future. Exercises like Stretching can help in reducing the stress on different joints. Lifting of weights helps in strengthening muscles. Exercise also includes walking, swimming and aerobics along with other forms of activity. The concerned physical therapist will inform you the specified procedure for performing the exercise at your own home in order for you to prevent future injuries and disorders.

Manual Therapy
Manual therapy means treatment with the help of hands only and not using any machine or device. Manual therapy is aimed at achieving flexibility, easing pain and relaxation. Different types of manual therapy are present, like:

  • Manipulation. It makes use of rapid, fast and forceful movements which are helpful for the positioning of the bones as well as joints. Since this form of manual therapy is pretty aggressive, discuss its pros and cons with the physiotherapist before doing it.
  • Mobilization. This form of manual therapy involves slow and controlled movements in order to pull or push bones and joints into their positions. Mobilization helps in loosening the tissues around the various joints and increasing the flexibility if the muscles.
  • Massage. It is a method of applying mild pressure to the softer tissues (muscles) of the body. Although it does not help in increasing flexibility or strengthening, massaging helps in improving the overall circulation, relaxing and easing the pain in the tissues.