Some Facts About Physical Therapy Wilmington Residents May Wish To Know

By Harold Powell


Injury and disease can cause impairment of body functions. Sporting activities such as athletics, football and rugby are known to put many people who engage in them at risk of suffering physical injury. Road traffic accidents can also cause serious damage to muscle, bone and other important tissues in the body. These and medical conditions including diabetes and stroke call for physiotherapy to restore lost body function. There are several facts relating to physical therapy Wilmington residents may find useful.

The value of history taking, physical examination and investigations can never be underestimated in managing patients that require physiotherapy. Indeed, they go a long way in providing the correct diagnosis and creating a management plan for the patient. Taking history involves the doctor asking the patient certain questions including basic personal details as well as specific characteristics of their condition.

The doctor will use the history obtained in making a diagnosis and to ensure caution when prescribing physiotherapy as a mode of treatment. For instance, patients known to have palpitations may have their symptoms worsen if they are put on a rigorous exercise regime. To further refine the diagnosis, the physiotherapist also needs to conduct a focused physical examination. Lastly, relevant blood works and imaging studies are conducted to give a more detailed report regarding the condition, including what tissues are involved and to what extent.

Some people hold the idea that this treatment only entails physical exercises of muscles, bones and joints. This is not true as much more is involved. A number of devices are used in achieving the desired results. Examples include traction kits, braces, corsets and walking among others. Various other modes of treatment may also be prescribed. These include heat massage, cold compresses, sound waves and radiation.

The treatment is a diverse concept that involves various systems in the body. One can decide to specialize in the pulmonary, cardiovascular, integumentary, geriatric systems or electrophysiology. Respiratory physiotherapy entails massaging the chest area to facilitate the removal of respiratory tract secretions. It enables the patient to cough thereby clearing the throat. Some of the conditions that result in an obstructed respiratory tract include stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.

The elderly population is a special group of people because of the physiological processes they undergo as they age. Most of their tissues tend to atrophy and to gradually lose function. They are commonly affected by illnesses such as osteoporosis, arthritis, urine and fecal incontinence. The treatment facilitates their mobility even in the midst of muscle weakness and atrophy. It also keeps them comfortable and free of painful muscles and joints.

Arthritis, incontinence and osteoporosis are conditions that tend to commonly affect the elderly. Thus, specialization in this field is of great benefit to this group of patients. A geriatric physiotherapist focuses on managing musculoskeletal disease affecting the elderly. The goal is to keep the patients free of pain and to facilitate smooth running of their day to day activities.

To conclude, it should be stated that physiotherapy is extremely helpful not just for patients with muscle, bone and joint issues but also for those in whom neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions have been diagnosed. The treatment incorporates physical exercises, manual manipulation and electrophysiological measures.




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