Physiotherapy is a very ancient profession, tracing its roots to physicians like Hector and Hippocrates, who lived in 460 BC. They are believed to have advocated hydrotherapy and massage as the primate form of physiotherapy. Over several centuries, the science was developed and refined to the present stage, where it forms an important section of modern medicine. Several types of physiotherapy treatments are offered for different afflictions. We have listed the most important amongst them here for your basic understanding.

Geriatric Physiotherapy

Geriatric physiotherapy is one of the most common treatment methods, because this addresses the problems that people develop as they age. As we grow older, majority of us are afflicted with several conditions that cannot be easily avoided. They are arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, incontinence, balance disorders, hip & joint replacement, cancer, etc. Geriatric physiotherapy is a special program of physical exercising that restores or at least improves overall mobility and fitness levels, whilst reducing pain as much as possible.

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

Orthopaedic therapy addresses injuries and disorders of our musculoskeletal system. In this physiotherapy, apart from physical exercises, surgery is also resorted to, depending on the severity of the problem. All types of post-operative orthopaedic procedures that deal with acute injuries from accidents or sports-related activities, fractures, sprains, back pains, neck pains, spinal disorders, strains, arthritis and even amputations. Orthopaedic therapists use therapeutic exercises, spine manipulations, neuromuscular re-educations, electrical stimulations like electrotherapy, iontophoresis and cryotherapy, hot or cold packs, etc. to improve the physical condition or expedite faster recovery. Sonography is increasingly used in orthopaedic diagnosis and treatment nowadays.

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Paediatric therapy plays a very vital role in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are congenital, skeletal, neuromuscular, acquired and developmental in infants, young children and adolescents. The diagnosis, management and treatment of such problems focus on improving motor skills, strength, coordination, balance and endurance. Paediatric physiotherapists attend to children with cerebral palsy, torticollis, developmental delays, spina bifida, etc. with a fair amount of success.

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy

Several physiotherapists concentrate on the treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders for rehabilitation either at the time of the disorder or after cardiac or pulmonary surgeries. The major disorders treated by cardiopulmonary physiotherapists are post coronary bypass surgery, pulmonary fibrosis, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung secretions due to cystic fibrosis. The aim of such therapies is to increase functional independence and endurance capabilities.

Neurological Physiotherapy

Neurological physiotherapy is addressed towards people with neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, spinal cord injury, ALS, multiple sclerosis, stroke, etc. Neurological therapists also correct other neurological disorders that include poor balance, vision impairment, inability to ambulate, total paralysis, functional dependence, etc.

Integumentary physiotherapy deals with disorders related to skin and other organs. There are a few more specialised physiotherapy fields like this. You can talk to us any time to find out everything about physiotherapy.