Introduction to Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession focused on restoring and maintaining physical function, mobility, and overall well-being. It uses evidence-based techniques such as exercise therapy, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education to help individuals recover from injury, manage pain, prevent disability, and improve quality of life.

Physiotherapy plays an essential role in the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and sports-related conditions. Physiotherapists assess the patient’s physical status, identify functional limitations, and design personalized treatment plans aimed at enhancing movement and promoting optimal health.

Physiotherapy is not only for those who are injured—it also supports healthy individuals by preventing future problems, improving posture, increasing strength and flexibility, and enhancing overall physical performance.

In modern healthcare, physiotherapy is recognized as a key component of multidisciplinary care, helping people of all ages—from infants to the elderly—achieve maximum independence and functional ability.

Physiotherapy consists of “services provided by physiotherapists to individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. These services are delivered when movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions and/or environmental factors.

MAIN GOALS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy aims to:

- Reduce pain

Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, nerve pain, sports injuries, etc.

- Restore mobility and strength

After injuries, surgeries, or long-term inactivity.

- Improve physical function

So you can walk, run, lift, bend, or do daily activities more easily.

- Prevent future injuries or complications

By correcting posture, movement patterns, muscle imbalances, etc.

- Rehabilitate after major events

Such as stroke, heart attack, accidents, or childbirth.

TYPES / SPECIALTIES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

1. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

For bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Examples: back pain, arthritis, fractures, sprains.

2. Neurological Physiotherapy

For conditions involving the brain and nerves.
Examples: stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis.

3. Cardiopulmonary (Chest) Physiotherapy

For heart and lung conditions.
Examples: asthma, COPD, post-surgery breathing problems.

4. Pediatric Physiotherapy

For babies and children with developmental or physical challenges.

5. Geriatric Physiotherapy

For older adults—arthritis, balance issues, weakness, fall prevention.

6. Sports Physiotherapy

For athletes: injury management, performance improvement, return-to-sport programs.

7. Women’s Health Physiotherapy

For pregnancy, postpartum recovery, pelvic pain, incontinence.

COMMON PHYSIOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES

1. Therapeutic Exercises

Strengthening, stretching, balance training, posture correction.

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques:

-Joint mobilization

-Massage

-Trigger point release

-Soft tissue techniques

3. Electrotherapy

Machines that help reduce pain and inflammation:

-TENS

-Ultrasound

-Electrical muscle stimulation

4. Heat and Cold Therapy

To relax muscles or reduce swelling.

5. Dry Needling / Acupuncture

(Used by some physiotherapists depending on local laws.)

6. Education & Lifestyle Guidance

Teaching you how to move safely, manage pain, and prevent recurrence.

WHO SHOULD SEE A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

You may need physiotherapy if you have:

-          Back, neck, or joint pain

-          Muscle tightness or weakness

-          Difficulty walking or moving

-          Recovery after surgeries

-          Stroke or nerve damage

-          Breathing difficulties

-          Sports injuries

-          Post-pregnancy problems

-          Chronic conditions (arthritis, diabetes, heart issues)

HANEEN EM

PHYSIOTHERAPIST
DR. P. ALIKUTTY’S AYURVEDA AND MODERN HOSPITAL- KOTTAKAL