Physiotherapy is the science of treating and restoring muscles and joints that suffer from injury or disability. It is practiced using methods such as massage, exercise, water, heat, electricity, etc.
A lot of patients of all ages opt for physiotherapy to treat problems such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, neurological disorders, spinal disorders, fracture rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Specific physiotherapy procedures can also have beneficial effects for patients suffering from anxiety, depression, lung and cardiovascular diseases, post natal recovery or circulation problems.
To put these therapies into practice, specialized centers such as Orthokinetic are used, where professionals will give you guidance on how to make the best adjustment for you.
Many people wonder about the side effects of physiotherapy. Normally, there are no side effects in patients who do not have various serious illnesses, but only muscle/joint disorders. However, there are also certain procedures that are prohibited for those who suffer from various diseases or are not recommended without a specialist’s consultation.
- TENS – this procedure consists of direct stimulation to the tegument and helps to combat pain in various cases. In terms of contraindications, you should bear in mind that it can cause arrhythmias, which is why it is forbidden for people suffering from serious heart disease or who have a pacemaker.
- Ultrasound – ultrasound machines are very popular because they stimulate metabolic cells, reduce pain, help increase blood flow or stimulate collagen production. As for contraindications, such machines should be avoided by people suffering from tumors, febrile conditions, TB, liver/renal/cardiac/respiratory failure, serious brain and heart diseases, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins or allergic inflammations.
- Balneotherapy – procedures that include steam baths, thermal water, salt, etc., are very beneficial and relaxing, but not everyone can practice them. They can be used with extreme caution for people over 70 with serious heart problems, as hot water increases blood circulation and existing pathologies can worsen.
- Massage – There are a lot of patients who should avoid massage or follow one with caution, namely those who suffer from: skin lesions, dermatologic disorders, sun rash, contusions, burns, bruises, hematomas, varicose veins, thrombosis, recent strokes, cancer, various urogenital, digestive, respiratory and circulatory diseases.
Of course, there are other conditions that are not compatible with physiotherapy, because there are so many of them and the situation changes from patient to patient. This is also the reason why physiotherapy procedures should be followed in specialized centers, where there are doctors who know exactly what to recommend depending on your situation.
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