Physiotherapy is a science that not only improves the quality of life for people of all ages but also helps prevent injuries. It plays a role in preserving motor functions, managing chronic diseases, and educating the patient and their caregiver. The best brief explanation of physiotherapy is the restoration of normal muscle function tailored specifically for each individual.
Table of Contents
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Manual Techniques in Physiotherapy
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Cryotherapy in Physiotherapy
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Heat Therapy in Physiotherapy
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Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
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Traction in Physiotherapy
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Tecar Therapy in Physiotherapy
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Ultrasound Therapy as One of the Newest Physiotherapy Methods
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Exercise Therapy in Physiotherapy
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Massage Therapy in Physiotherapy
These services are used to improve the quality of life and to prevent and treat injuries to body parts. The physiotherapist must have completed the necessary training courses, possess sufficient skills and high experience, and also have advanced equipment and tools to provide services.
Manual Techniques in Physiotherapy
Manual therapy or manual techniques are the most important physiotherapy methods. In this technique, various methods are used to reduce inflammation and issues related to muscles and joints. Manual therapy in physiotherapy has four effects:
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Mechanical effect: Helps eliminate adhesions or extra tissue formed after fractures or surgeries.
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Physiological effect on nerves: Inhibits spinal nerve roots and helps control pain.
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Chemical effect: Influences the secretion of pain-relieving substances.
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Psychological effect: Creates a sense of comfort for the patient due to the massage.
Cryotherapy in Physiotherapy
One of the physiotherapy methods is cryotherapy. In this method, ice is never applied directly to the skin as excessive cold can damage skin tissue. A barrier like a towel must be placed between the skin and the ice. Ice helps reduce blood flow, thereby decreasing swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Heat Therapy in Physiotherapy
If the patient has an injury, heat therapy methods in physiotherapy are used for treatment. In this method, hot water bags or warm, moist packs can be applied to the body. Heat increases blood flow to injured tissues, relaxes muscles, and thus relieves pain.
In physiotherapy clinics, heat packs are placed in a device called a hydrocollator, a large container filled with hot water. These packs, filled with materials like sand or stones, are immersed in hot water and then wrapped in fabric or towels before use. Typically, these packs are placed on the injured areas for 15 to 20 minutes.
Laser Therapy in Physiotherapy
Laser therapy is one of the physiotherapy methods used to treat many injuries and various conditions. In this method, focused laser is used for treatment. The energy transferred by the laser to the tissues improves body function.
Some of the key benefits of laser therapy include:
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Reducing muscle pain
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Accelerating healing in various parts of the body
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Aiding in the healing of wounds on tissues
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Increasing flexibility and range of motion
This therapy is commonly used for:
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Chronic foot pain
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Shoulder and arm pain
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Severe back pain
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Intense neck pain
Laser therapy is less expensive than other surgical methods, and the patient does not require special care after the procedure. They can resume daily activities the day after the treatment.
Traction in Physiotherapy
When we stand, our spine constantly bears our body weight, which makes healing back pain more difficult. In traction, the vertebrae are separated to create more space for the nerves and reduce pressure on the disc cartilage.
Some research shows that traction can be effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life for patients with disc problems. Since this method doesn’t require surgery, traction can be a practical treatment option for those who cannot afford a long recovery period.
Tecar Therapy in Physiotherapy
One of the modern and advanced physiotherapy techniques is Tecar therapy. In this method, damaged tissues are treated using electromagnetic techniques. The therapeutic wavelength range is from 300 kHz to 1.2 MHz and may vary for each individual depending on the physician’s diagnosis.
This treatment has several effects in reducing pain and improving body and skin appearance. Some common uses of Tecar therapy include:
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Neck and back pain
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Chronic elbow pain
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Pain between the shoulder blades
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Painful and bothersome skin and muscle injuries such as arthritis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow
When correctly performed, this technique has no side effects. The number of Tecar therapy sessions depends on the severity and type of injury for each individual. However, it is not recommended for:
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Pregnant women
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People with cancerous tumors
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Individuals with advanced diabetes
Ultrasound Therapy as One of the Newest Physiotherapy Methods
One of the newest and most advanced physiotherapy techniques is ultrasound therapy. This is a therapeutic method that uses high-frequency sound waves to help heal injuries and treat various conditions.
Devices that generate ultrasound waves, similar to those used in sonography, are sometimes used by physiotherapists for treatment. These sound waves are transmitted to surrounding tissues and vessels, and by penetrating the muscles, they cause deep tissue or muscle heating. This helps relax the tissue and is effective in treating muscle cramps and spasms.
It also causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow in the area, which aids the healing process. Physiotherapists can adjust the device’s sound frequency to help reduce inflammation. However, caution should be exercised, as research shows that the heating and dilation of blood vessels may not necessarily improve overall muscle tissue function.
Patients with the following conditions may benefit from this physiotherapy method:
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Muscle atrophy
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Arthritis
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Joint inflammation
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Tendonitis
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Bursitis
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Frozen shoulder
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Sprained ligaments
Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive method, easy to perform, and costs less than some other physiotherapy treatments. The patient is not exposed to harmful radiation.
Exercise Therapy in Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy is a physiotherapy method beneficial for everyone. Exercise strengthens the body, improves balance and coordination, enhances sleep quality, increases flexibility, stimulates the cardiovascular system, relieves muscle stiffness, strengthens muscles, reduces fatigue, and alleviates pain.
The physiotherapist develops a program tailored to the individual needs of the patient to help achieve these benefits. Before starting exercise therapy, the patient should perform warm-up exercises. Walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike can help with warming up.
Massage Therapy in Physiotherapy
In massage therapy techniques, soft tissues such as muscles and fascia are massaged by hand to reduce swelling and pain, improve blood flow, and relax muscles. Some of the benefits of massage therapy include:
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Increasing range of motion
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Reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation
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Relaxing muscles
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Reducing contractions
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Repairing non-contractile tissues
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Enhancing stability
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Facilitating movement
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Improving functionality
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