Physiotherapy modern approach
Short wave diathermy Ultrasonic Modern equipments for muscle strengthening
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also called physical therapy, is the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods. Some types are: massage, moving muscles and bones, exercises, cold, heat, and light therapy. They are done to assist in treating patients and in bringing back normal function after an illness or injury.
Short wave diathermy equipment
What is Short wave diathermy?
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Short wave diathermy is the production of heat in body tissues by short waves, generated by Short wave diathermy equipment, to treat certain disorders. This heat results from high-frequency electric currents. |
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The currents are not intense enough to destroy tissues or to damage function. |
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Diathermy is used to treat arthritis, bursitis, fractures, gynecological diseases, and swelling of the sinuses (sinusitis). |
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The penetration of short waves is up to bony structures ,unlike superficial heat applied by conventional hot water fomentation. It helps in the following ways.
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Benefits of Short wave diathermy.
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Reduces pain rapidly . |
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Decreases inflammation and swelling in joints and surrounding tissues, including muscles. |
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Relieves spasm of surrounding structures ,especially of muscles, thereby relieving distress associated with arthritis. |
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Increases circulation to joint structures thereby providing better oxygenation, nutrition; removing toxins and pain causing chemical mediators; alleviating swelling and inflammation. |
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Improves secretion and circulation of joint fluid and reduces inflammation of joint lining (synovial membrane), there by resulting in better lubrication of joints. |
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Reduces nerve compression by reducing inflammation and swelling in tissues. (e.g. 'sciatic nerve' is compressed in a condition known as 'sciatica' due to arthritis in lower spine.) |
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By reducing pain, inflammation, swelling, and nerve compression and improving lubrication of joint, it helps the patient to recover quickly ,and can be back to active exercises . |
Ultrasonic physiotherapy
Ultrasonic equipment for physiotherapy
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Ultrasound is a therapeutic method of aiding the healing process. The ultrasonic waves massage the injured area, promoting blood flow and reducing swelling. Because swelling can be a significant source of pain, the reduction in swelling as a result of ultrasound treatments also relieves pain. Ultrasound relieves pain by treating the cause of the pain. |
What is the role of Exercises in physiotherapy ?
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Mainstay of physiotherapy is, strengthening of muscles around an arthritic joint, so as to take away weight from bony structures of a joint. The muscles so strengthened will move the joint without actually straining an already ageing arthritic joint.
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Strengthening of muscles require controlled and gentle regular exercises under medical supervision. The nature and extent of exercises is determined by age, weight of patient, nature of arthritic problem and associated complications. |
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Over enthusiastic exercises, without medical advise can not only make things worse, but can precipitate severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and even paralysis due to nerve compression (e.g. paralysis of lower limbs due to intervertebral disc prolapse, thereby causing spinal cord compression). Ligament tears and muscle rupture may occur due to faulty methods of exercise. |
What are the ways of exercise ?
Active Exercises.
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Means, active exercises done by the patient himself. Achieving active movement of muscles around a joint, and thereby preserving joint function is the ultimate goal of physiotherapy. Initially, during severe pain, inflammation and swelling in an arthritic joint; and more so if nerve compression is an associated complication; the active exercises are not possible, and may be even detrimental. During this period, when the patient is bed ridden and unable to undertake any active exercises, passive exercises are a must. |
Passive Exercises.
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As the name suggests, it is a passive way of exercises of muscles done by an attendant without any effort on part of patient. |
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Latest techniques have been developed to strengthen muscles around a joint by muscle contractions, induced by signals given by equipments from outside. |
Why passive exercises are important?
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The muscles atrophy (degenerates) rapidly if not used regularly .This is known as 'Disuse atrophy' . Examples are atrophy of limb muscles in polio patients, and in severe incapacitating 'rheumatoid arthritic' patients. Passive exercises help to maintain joint function, lubrication, prevents muscle spasms and preserves power of muscles. |
Limitations of passive exercises done by an attendant.
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Less effective than active exercises in strengthening muscles. |
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May be painful, as movement at joint is required. |
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Time consuming and requires days or even months of therapy to have appreciable effect. |
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Requires help of a professional for desired results. |
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Patient may become ambulatory (able to walk) only after several days causing complications like: deterioration of diabetes due to lack of active movement, development of bed sores in bed ridden patients, clot formation in limbs, and loss of working hours. |
JAINS CLINIC, E2 CHURCH COMPOUND, SUKHDEV VIHAR, NEW DELHI-25, INDIA
Ph: +91-9312403074; +91-11-26922890
PHYSIOTHERAPY TIMINGS
MONDAY - SATURDAY
8.30 A.M. - 12 NOON. ; 6 P.M. - 8.00 P.M.
SUNDAY
9. A.M - 11 A.M