Physiotherapy in Dubai is a medical specialty that helps patients with disabilities, illnesses or injuries regain function and movement. The goal of physiotherapy is to help patients regain their normal functional abilities through the use of physical techniques such as stimulation, exercise, therapeutic devices, and education.
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who study medical disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and other related sciences to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients with physical disabilities and disorders. They take a holistic approach to treating patients, treating the body as a whole rather than focusing on the specific causes of injuries and illnesses.
Physiotherapy techniques
To achieve its goals, physiotherapy uses certain methods and techniques. Let’s take a closer look at what these techniques are and how they work.
Manual therapy
This is also known as “mobilization” and involves the use of hands to mobilize affected soft tissues and joints. The physiotherapist applies pressure with the hands to mobilize the joints and soft tissues and relieve pain due to joint stiffness or muscle tension. Manipulation is known to be useful in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as chronic back pain. This manual method is used for the following reasons.
- Improving blood circulation in the body
- Improving the mobility of the affected parts of the body
- To allow drainage of fluids from different parts of the body
- To reduce pain and discomfort
Exercises
Therapeutic exercises hold an important place in physiotherapy in Dubai. There are two ways in which physiotherapists can incorporate exercise into their treatment plans. First, it can be used during recovery in certain situations, such as surgery and sports injuries that affect the patient’s overall mobility. In these cases, mild exercises such as walking and swimming are recommended. Secondly, specific exercises can be taught to strengthen the affected body part. For example, in the case of paralysis (mild or incomplete paralysis) caused by a stroke, the physiotherapist can devise exercises to strengthen the affected limb.
These therapeutic exercises should be repeated regularly for a period of time as recommended by the physiotherapist.
Electrotherapy
An electrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy treatment that promotes muscle contraction, thereby relieving pain and promoting healing. It is called electrotherapy because it uses electrical currents or pulses to stimulate the nervous system, which in turn triggers muscle contractions.
Electrotherapy can be performed with a variety of devices. Now take a look at what they are used for.
– Ultrasound:
It emits high-frequency sound waves that stimulate cellular activity and blood circulation. Ultrasound can treat deep tissue damage. It helps to relieve pain and muscle spasms and speeds up the healing process.
– TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).
It also stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving hormones called endorphins in the brain. It is used for chronic pain conditions.
– Short wave diathermy (SWD).
It helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation and strengthens the tissues.
– Laser therapy:
A concentrated and narrow beam of laser light is directed at the affected part of the body. It is particularly effective in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and skin conditions. Laser therapy is also used to treat tendonitis and other inflammatory conditions. It stimulates tissue healing and reduces pain, swelling and inflammation. It also helps to break up thickened scar tissue after surgery and speeds up the regeneration of injured cells.
These electrotherapy techniques do not cause any injuries. You may feel a slight tingling sensation during the TENS treatment.
Hydrotherapy
This form of physiotherapy uses water to aid recovery. Hydrotherapy is carried out in a shallow pool of warm water or in a special hydrotherapy pool. It is generally used for adults and children with physical and learning difficulties. Hydrotherapy is known to relieve pain in some cases, but there is little evidence to suggest that it is an effective method of pain relief. It does, however, help to improve blood circulation and relax tense muscles.
Whatever technique a physiotherapist uses, will not produce the desired results unless certain lifestyle changes are made. In the case of spondylitis, for example, in addition to physiotherapy, attention should be paid to proper posture when standing, sleeping, and sitting. The involvement of the patient is just as important as the involvement of the physiotherapist.