Since time immemorial, physical therapy has been known to play an important role in the wellbeing of humans. For example, it has been used to alleviate chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and migraines. It has also been used to treat several conditions including cramps in pregnant women, arthritis and neurological problems. There are different kinds of physical therapies, classified depending on the purpose they are intended to achieve, the point of focus and the technique used to perform the therapy. This article gives insights on the different types of physical therapy you should know.
- Neurological Therapy
After someone has been involved in an accident, the impact may affect their spine, thus influencing how the spine relays some vital information to the brain. Diseases such as cerebral palsy, stroke, Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis may also affect the spinal cord. Since all body functions are relayed to the brain via the spinal cord, any damage affects most of the body functions and movements to a point that you can even be paralyzed. However, with neurological therapy, the spinal cord is slowly stimulated and repaired and in the end, mobility is restored.
- Pediatric Therapy
Children grow so fast since their cells multiply at a very fast rate. Sometimes the growth is so fast that the bones and muscles may not have had enough time to match the growth of the cells. This may not seem much of a bother but it may become a real problem at later stages of their life. This could result in deformities in the legs or any other organ because the muscles and bones are too weak to carry the fast increasing weight of the individual. Pediatric therapy helps prevent such problems in the future. It involves helping children to use and strengthen their muscles and bones in the early stages of their lives.
- Geriatric Therapy
When people are in the middle stages of their lives, they may get hurt and never realize the impact was something to be concerned about. Most of the time, they use their bodies and muscles the wrong way without realizing because their cells are actively growing and multiplying. Since cells in the muscles multiply depending on how active an individual is, incorrect use of some body part and the muscles can lead to serious conditions when people grow old and stop being active.
In that instance, geriatric therapy plays an important role in revitalizing the muscles and bones so that the aged individual maintains their mobility and flexibility. In the process, some old age conditions like arthritis are healed since the tensed muscles are straightened and softened through manipulation of the affected area. Frequent manipulation of the muscles makes them studier and stronger so that the individual can move them with lots of flexibility and ease.
- Cardiovascular Therapy
After being involved in strenuous physical exercise, someone may experience muscle tear and ruptured blood vessels. This may lead to blocked capillaries due to blood clots that occur because of blocked blood flow. Since the blood is responsible for transportation of oxygen to the brain, one may experience a stroke. Blocked blood capillaries could result in heart failure because the heart is forced to pump blood beyond its capability. However, with cardiovascular therapy, the blood vessels and capillaries are repaired and unblocked, leading to a better flow of blood throughout the body. Enhanced blood flow means better heart health and lowered risks of stroke.
- Orthopedic Therapy
After being involved in an accident, someone may become unable to use some muscles to some degree or even unable to move them at all. Orthopedic therapy helps the individual learn how to use the muscles. During the therapy, the patient may be helped to walk by being supported or by use of walking sticks. The therapist also manipulates the muscles in the affected body parts. The result is that the muscle cells become active again and start multiplying in large numbers. With aided walking, the muscles and bones become strong, and the patient can walk again, with little or no help at all.
This article has provided different types of physical therapies, the way they work, and their potential benefits. Even as you seek these important therapies, you should do your homework well so that you do not end up in the wrong hands of quacks. This can be very risky to your health because it may end up causing further injuries instead of giving you relief. Checking clients’ reviews and ratings can help you pick the best therapist in town.