Physiotherapy: Going beyond medication

One of the fastest growing healthcare practices over the world is physiotherapy. It is a drug-free health care practice, where a physiotherapist works on an individual to remove his obstacles to physical function and relief of pain. It can help people bounce back from illness and chronic disease, injury, industrial and motor vehicle accidents and age-related conditions.

Speaking to The Hans India, Dr M Udaya Kumar Maiya, Medical Director, Portea Medical said, “Studies have shown that physiotherapy is effective in treating and managing arthritis, diabetes associated disabilities, stroke and brain injury rehabilitation, spinal cord injury recovery and a range of respiratory conditions.

“Physiotherapy can prove beneficial for people of all age groups and those with different health conditions as well, be it a newborn or an elderly person. It is helpful in babies with breathing difficulties, cerebral palsy, club foot (CTEV- congenital talipo equines varus), spina bifida, hydrocephalus, etc.

Geriatric physiotherapy refers to physical therapy for the elderly. It can prove beneficial in conditions like dementia, balance disorders, frequent falls, and urinary incontinence. It could also help bedridden patients recuperate significantly and lead a relatively better life,” he said about the practice.

The life expectancy of humans has increased what with advanced medical care and newer medicines and treatment options. However, this also means that people with chronic illnesses need recurrent medical visits. “Home care is a global trend, which has caught on well in India owing to enormous increase in lifestyle associated chronic ailments, rise in elderly population and the disproportionate escalation of the cost of hospital based health care services,” shared Dr Udaya.

“Home care reaches beyond hospitals and helps make conditions better not just for people in need of pre- or post-operative care, or certain health conditions but also the elderly. For the elderly, home care it one-on-one physiotherapy, exercise sessions, mobility programmes and educating them on fall prevention,” he said.