As we age, we get all kinds of aches and pains that can make daily activities difficult. Even when we are younger, this can happen, especially when playing sports that cause injuries. Well, physiotherapy can not only help to make it more bearable so that activities can be resumed, it can also virtually put it right so that you’re back to normal. Here are some conditions that physiotherapy can treat.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint or joints. There are many types of arthritis and some of these can also affect those who are younger. Physiotherapy can help to improve this condition with joint-specific exercises. Stretching exercises and strength training can help to increase range of motion and strengthen and protect joints. These exercises are specialized and should be done with professional supervision initially.
2. Dizziness & Imbalance
Anyone, young or old can be affected by dizziness and balance problems. Some of these problems may resolve, but sometimes, it can last for years and even a lifetime. It can be debilitating but physiotherapy and coping skills can definitely help. Once all other conditions have been ruled out and it’s thought to be the vestibular system that’s the cause, physiotherapy can help patients to better cope with conditions.
3. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can cause a person to miss work. Anyone who has lower back pain will tell you how difficult it can get. Physiotherapy can help to relieve stress on your lower back, teach you coping skills (things like getting up from a sitting position every 15 minutes or so) and doing specific lower back strengthening exercises. These exercises can minimize bad days and make it more bearable.
4. Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by a number of reasons like trauma or degenerative disease, for example. Once the cause is identified and no surgery is required, physiotherapy may be recommended. By combining neck joint and muscle treatment along with strengthening exercises, a physiotherapist can help you get much needed relief.
5. Repetitive Strains
These affect tendons, muscles nerves and joints. There are many kinds of strains that physiotherapy can help with. These include manual therapy, laser therapy and even acupuncture.
Depending on the nature of the condition, any number of therapies can be used to help the patient. These include laser therapy, massage therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, ultrasound therapy, spinal decompression and sometimes, just good old advice and education to perhaps changing your lifestyle so that problems don’t crop up as frequently as before. Whatever the case, physiotherapy can improve your life.
