Common Types of Physical Therapy Explained

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Physical therapy or physiotherapy may include certain massages, exercises, and treatments based on stimuli such as cold heat, electrical currents, or ultrasound. The aim of Venice physical medicine & rehabilitation is to relieve pain, improve mobility and strengthen weakened muscles. It also shows patients what they can do themselves to improve their health. Physical therapy is not only done in practice or hospital; patients can and should continue with it at home.

Besides treating acute and chronic symptoms, physical therapy is also used to prevent future problems or for rehabilitation after injuries, surgery, or long-term problems. There are different types of physical therapy; the one your specialist recommends depends on your symptoms and specific medical issues. Personal preference and physical fitness also play a role in choosing the type of physical therapy most suitable. Read on to learn about the common types of physical therapy.

Geriatric physical therapy

As you age, so do your body tissues, organs, and system. Additionally, old age is a risk factor for many health problems, which often take a toll on the lives of the elderly.

Geriatric physical therapy addresses mobility issues among older adults. It helps patients with natural movement issues or those with musculoskeletal conditions. Geriatric physical medicine can help older adults with arthritis, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. During a therapy session, patients learn various exercises that help reduce pain associated with certain movements. These exercises also keep old folks fit for their age.

Neurological physical therapy

This physical therapy is designed to help patients recover from neurological conditions such as stroke or Alzheimer’s disease. Almost all neurological disorders are chronic, meaning you can’t cure them with simple medication or lifestyle changes. As such, physicians prescribe physiotherapy as a treatment for these conditions. Neurological physical therapy significantly improves an individual’s mobility and coordination.

Unlike other types of physical therapy, neurological physical therapy is not as involving and intense. It focuses on simple physical exercises to gradually minimize the effects of neurological conditions. Patients can regain full autonomy or experience dramatic improvement, depending on the treatment condition.

Occupational physical therapy

Occupational physical therapy focuses on treating patients who are recovering from any physical, mental, developmental, or emotional condition that impacts the person’s ability to perform everyday activities. An occupational therapist might achieve this by altering the person’s activity, environment, or skills. At an individual’s skill level, an occupational therapist might help one improve their fine motor skills – small movements made with your upper body.

Fine motor skills are essential for everyday activities such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, using a fork and knife, using your smartphone, or driving. For patients with mental health challenges, OT uses positive coping strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Pediatric physical therapy

This is typically the opposite of geriatric physical therapy. That is because pediatric physical therapy focuses on infants while geriatric physical therapy focuses on the elderly. However, this type of physical therapy is not only for babies but also for kids and adolescents with body movement issues that impede their learning and play.

For further questions about physical therapy, consult your specialist at 360 Orthopedics.