Physiotherapy Techniques:
Physiotherapists employ a variety of techniques, depending on the nature of the injury or problem they are treating. The most common physiotherapy techniques are:
Manual manipulation:
- Moving joints and soft tissue helps to improve circulation, drain fluid from the body, and relax overly tight or muscles with spasms.
- Manual physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine.
- In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.
- Electrical nerve stimulation: Small electrical currents delivered to affected areas helps to suppress and block pain signals to the brain.
- Acupuncture: Needles stimulate the nervous system and work to dull pain, release muscles, boost the immune system and regulate various body functions.
- Demonstration: Teaching proper movement patterns allows patients to help heal themselves.
- Functional testing: Testing a patient to assess his/her physical abilities.
- Device provision: Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective devices and equipment.
