SIX EFFECTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY METHODS
Before heading to a physiotherapy clinic, you might find it useful to familiarise yourself with the most effective treatment methods used by physiotherapists for different ailments.
Note that these are general assessments and should not be taken as professional medical advice.
1. Manual Therapy
Effective for: Most injuries
Physical therapists use hands-on approaches such as massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises to help a patient’s body re-learn proper mechanics and movement. Manual therapy is one of the primary methods to remove restrictions in movement and help patients move better overall. Manual therapy often forms the backbone of a physiotherapy plan.
2. Ice Therapy
Effective for: Injuries with swelling and inflammation
Ice constricts blood vessels after application. Cold therapy can reduce (and even prevent) swelling immediately following the injury. It can also leave the affected joint more mobile, thereby enhancing manual therapy.
3. Heat Therapy
Effective for: Injuries that involve tightness and muscular spasms
For injuries involving soft tissues like tendons, muscles, and ligaments, the application of heat can decrease pain while increasing mobility. Heat therapy makes tissues more pliable so that the therapist can stretch the area better.
4. Ultrasound
Effective for: Connective tissue injuries
The use of sound waves that are undetectable to the human ear help a patient’s body generate from within, helping loosen up tissues to prepare for exercise and manual therapy. Therapists use an ultrasound wand to apply sound waves safely and directly to the skin.
5. Low-Level Laser
Effective for: Connective or muscular tissue injuries
This method involves the use of specific wavelengths of light in stimulating healing. Everything happens well below the skin, so the patient does not feel anything. Low-level laser treatment can reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle fatigue, allowing the therapist to manipulate the joint easier.
6. Traction
Effective for: Disc herniation
Traction involves separating the patient’s vertebrae to less compression on disc cartilage and give nerves more space. Many researches demonstrate that traction can reduce pain experienced by patients with herniated lumbar discs. It’s a viable choice for those who don’t want to undergo surgery.