Different conditions or injuries can limit people’s ability to move or perform physical activities.
To overcome these problems, a physical therapist uses various methods that include massages, exercises, hot or cold therapies, and even electrical stimulation in their therapies, among others.
Physical therapy treatment: What does it consist of
If you have wondered what a physical therapist does, the truth is that during physical therapy treatment the specialist will focus on the following:
- Musculoskeletal system. Also known as the locomotor system, it is responsible for providing movement, stability, shape, and support to the body. It is divided into the muscular system which includes all the muscles of the body and the skeletal system made up of the bones.
- Neuromuscular system. It is made up of the nervous system together with the muscle fibers, which are responsible for sending the relevant signals to create tension and movement in the body.
- Cardiovascular system. It includes the heart and lungs; seeks to improve health after a heart attack or some other heart disease or surgery related to this organ.
Physical therapy focuses on the person, so the physical therapist will have a specific approach based on the objectives and needs of the patient to strengthen muscles, relieve or reduce pain and improve body movement.
Similarly, the physical therapist may aim to prevent injury or even loss of movement.
When to look for a physical therapist near me?
There are different moments when a patient can go to a physical therapist. For example, when the patient has pain, some kind of stiffness, or swelling in the body. At this time, the physical therapist will analyze the person’s range of motion, the existence of pain, the possible loss of muscle mass, and other characteristics.
Once the origin of the problem has been identified, the specialist will perform a physiotherapeutic assessment and decide whether it can be treated immediately or, where appropriate, will refer you to a doctor to attend to the primary problem.
On the other hand, the doctor will identify that their patient will need physical rehabilitation before, during, or after their care, and they will refer you to a physical therapist.
The physical therapist not only focuses on rehabilitating the body, but must also teach the patient the preventive measures that must be followed to prevent injuries, avoid harmful movements or actions, and even teach families and caregivers support at home, if necessary.
If you need a physical therapist, come to the ABC Medical Center Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation area where we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rehabilitation
https://www.anahuac.mx/blog/5-cosas-que-nadie-te-dice-de-la-fisioterapia
