6 Popular Types of Home Physiotherapy Treatments
An unwanted injury, maybe due to sports or a car accident can paralyze the usual livelihood of the victim. For many patients facing such a severe condition is a hellish experience. Alongside the physical complications, a formerly active individual faces tremendous trauma and frustration of not being able to live the pre-injury life. Cases with a severe condition followed by ACL or joint replacement surgeries even lose the capability of visiting a physiotherapy clinic for sessions.
Physiotherapy not only aids the recovery after surgery but before the surgical procedure as well. The healing aspects of physiotherapy cover both the physical and mental aspects of damage. Compared to the clinic the sessions at home are more challenging due to lack of equipment and the informal nature of the situation. Thankfully, there are quite a few physiotherapy treatments applicable for at-home sessions, proven to be effective irrespective of the environment. This article will try to explore six of the physiotherapy treatments possible to administer at home.
1. Activation of soft tissue by therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is the most popular option for the activation of soft tissue. Ligaments, connective tissue, blood vessels, synovial membranes, areolar tissue, fibrous tissue, fascia, and nerves are considered soft tissue. A therapist aims to relax and encourage mobilization by targeted massage according to the nature and origin of discomfort. Therapeutic massages are most relevant for athletic injuries due to their nature. The goal of such massages is to normalize the local metabolism by easing up blood circulation and relaxing the relevant muscles.
2. Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is relatively new in the arsenal of a therapist. The principles of electrotherapy are rooted in electromyography, muscle physiology, and the functionality of motor proteins. Electrodes are used to encourage muscle contractions in order to prevent atrophy and similar disorders. In the case of individuals with partial paralysis or severely limited mobility electrotherapy has no other alternatives. Improvisations with multiple techniques like laser and hydrotherapy coupled with electrotherapy have also been proven effective against severe cases.
3. Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy is extremely effective if the field of application is relevant. Tissues with an increased tendency of absorbing the sound waves (n>20,000 Hz) are the best targets and proven to receive maximum benefits. Ultrasound induces oscillations in the target tissue, which in turn is converted into thermal energy.
Disorders resulting from inconveniences related to ligaments, tendons and connective tissue are easily resolvable with the help of ultrasound. Additionally, ultrasound increases the local metabolic rate of the target tissue, a property utilized in the treatment of arthritis with finesse. Ultrasound therapy is done by portable devices offering multiple modes for various strategic applications.
4. Thermal therapies
Inflammation is often the final pathology in the case of injury. The prevention of inflammation is impossible without a certain amount of agility. The preventive method is based upon the fundamentals of metabolism. For manipulating the aspects of metabolism responsible for stiffness and inflammation thermal therapies are deployed.
Heat and cryo therapies are deployed in accordance to the nature of pathology. For immediate alleviation of inflammations cryotherapy is deployed. And for resolving an already grown inflammation heat therapy is deployed. Cryotherapy slows down metabolism thus acts as a prevention method and heat therapy act as a boost for healing stiffness and existing inflammations.
5. Kinesiology taping
Kinesiology taping is used mainly for supporting the injury. Additionally, the tape used in kinesiology taping helps to retain the surface structure of skin. The tape is known for preventing unwanted convolutions and alleviating the chances of reinjury. Kinesiology taping is also used for restricting some amount of mobility, important for prevention of reinjury.
6. Assisted range of motion exercises
Assisted range of motion exercises are administered in order to induce and support the functionality after an injury. Along with promoting mobility, assisted range of motion therapies help in alleviating any associated mental condition and inspiring confidence in the patient.
Author’s note
Due to the availability of an array of technologies and strategies applicable for at home sessions the versatility of physiotherapy is growing through the roof. Home physiotherapy are becoming more available by the day. For people with severe and delicate conditions are recommended to avail therapy from home for effective rehabilitation. As in our times, the benefits of physiotherapy are able to reach a patient’s door step with ease.
