Types of Physiotherapy III

Heat
Heat can be used to heal the muscles and softer tissues. Heating is very helpful when joints have become stiff because of osteoarthritis and also to help in relaxing the muscles before exercises. Heating helps in increasing the blood circulation in the body as well. Heating may also cause the swelling of an injured portion if it is applied very quickly after the injury. It is advisable to wait for about 2 days before making use of heat.

Hydrotherapy
Using water for healing a disorder and to maintain health is known as hydrotherapy. Exercising in water or using water for healing softer tissues form hydrotherapy. Water is known to have certain properties that make it a good healer.

  • Water helps in the flow of blood
  • It is known to store as well as carry heat
  • Water in the form of steam is used in steam baths and for breathing in; water in form of liquid is used in bathing and it compresses with pressure and temperature; water in form of ice can be used for cooling.
  • Water exercise like swimming takes the pressure off a paining joint.
  • Water tends to have a calming and soothing effect on people.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound waves are those which are above the frequency of audible range. The ultrasound therapy makes use of these high pitched waves for warming the muscles prior to exercising, easing muscle spasms and alleviating swelling and pain. This method of therapy has become very popular and common. However, some of the physical therapists do not recommend the use of such techniques. It is not practiced on children and one must consult a physician or a doctor before using this technique.

Electrical Stimulation
The use of electrical current for treatment of joint and muscle disorder is also becoming increasingly popular. The various benefits of electrical stimulation are:

  • Electrical stimulation can be used for mending broken bones and healing wounds.
  • Electrical stimulation is sometimes used at very low levels of current to help in decreasing the pain. It helps in reducing pain by allowing the body to produce certain pain killers called endorphins.
  • Physiotherapists make use of electrical stimulation to help in contracting the muscles. This is extremely helpful when the muscles lose strength and are unable to contract on their own. Such kinds of therapy includes:

1) After a heart stroke, electrical stimulation is made use of to regulate the functioning of the muscles near the shoulder so that they can hold the joints and reduce pain.

2) The use of electrical stimulation can be used in maintaining the strength of the muscles of legs in a person suffering from arthritis. For such people, exercising causes a great amount of pain.

3) Electrical stimulation helps in bringing the muscles at the front of the thigh after the conclusion of a knee surgery.