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Types of physical therapy
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax can be used in physical therapy (physiotherapy) with a temperature ranging from 40 to 44 c; the heat generated by the hot wax is used to ease the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis.
This kind of therapy uses ice. It is a very common old method of treatment. Skin temperature drops to about 10 degrees. Cryotherapy is used in muscles contraction and spasticity.
Laser Treatment
Laser is often used in treatment with infrared in two methods:
1- Direct applying (On the skin surface directly).
2- Remote applying (5 cm away from the skin surface).
This treatment is useful for Open wounds, pressure ulcer, diabetic ulcer, surgical wound, and Pain.
Cold and Hot Baths - Shocks
This kind of therapy involves both immersion and bathing in cold and hot water baths. It helps in conditions of pain of limbs (foot and hands) and for general relaxation.
Hot bags
Such hot bags often contain an acid salt gel called Bentonite. When the temperature of the water container reaches 75 to 80, the hot bags are immersed in it. The heat generated by the bags is used in treating and relieving pain and bringing relaxation.
Short Wave Treatment
Applying short waves generates a high frequency alternating current (HFAC). The thermal energy produced is used in treating inflammations, joint deterioration and low back pain.
Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiation is an electromagnetic radiation. The thermal energy generated is capable of relieving pain and stress and treating muscle pains.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet is an electromagnetic radiation and its sources are sunshine, mercury lamp and fluorescent. Ultraviolet is useful in conditions of general weakness, vitamin D deficiency, and underweight.
Ultrasound Therapy
An electromagnetic radiation that differs from ultrasound waves.
Short wave Therapy
An electromagnetic radiation used in treating targeted areas
with a wavelength between the length of infrared radiation and short
waves. Heat produced can give patients relief and helps in some conditions of bacterial contamination, finger rot and abscesses.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (F.E.S)
A type of physiotherapy, which involves using low frequency, waves in treatment. Electrical stimulation can be used in activating and training muscles that have lost their normal movements or in training muscles that have lost normal functions after injuries or surgeries.
Therapeutic massage
Massage is considered one of the oldest means of health care and has been used from old times. In massage, a massager use touch to apply pressure on the skin of the body, muscles, heels, and ligaments. There are many types of massage called:
Stroking, kneading, wringing, friction, clapping, vibration and shaking, and tapotement.
Coercive Movements
It refers to the movements applied by the therapist over the patient’s body in case of infection of muscles or joints.
Elementary Training in Physical Therapy
It involves training patients who suffer from a difficulty in walking (Training patients who suffer from clot to walk independently).
Balance Exercises
Those exercises are given to patients who suffer balance difficulties when seating or standing.
Co-ordination Exercises
Patients who suffer from losing functional co-ordination between the brain and muscle activities can do such exercises.
Stretching
A stretching exercise is a manual way to stretch the musculoskeletal system such as muscles, heels, and ligaments. It causes increase mobility for joints.
Hydrotherapy
Exercises of hydrotherapy are done (under water, in swimming pool, and in water channels). Movements in water can be performed easier than in air since floating involves removing some of the gravity in water. This would help in Poliomyelitis, clots, and cerebral palsy
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