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[P321]Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

by Terry OBrien, Ter

Terry O'Brien General Manager of Back Trouble UK says that, "Physical therapy has a significant benefit for mechanical back pain. Studies show that, for patients presenting with acute back pain, spinal mobilisation and/or manipulation is more effective than placebo in the short term and thus reduces the period of morbidity, allowing an earlier return to work.

The timing of the treatment is important. If the medical practitioner is unskilled with physical therapy, referral is appropriate. Spinal manipulation is contraindicated or ineffective in patients with acute low back pain with spasm, fixed lateral scoliosis or sciatica.

The gentler technique of mobilisation may be effective in providing relief and shortening the period of disability. Once the severe pain and spasm phase subsides (average 3-7 days), then it is usually possible to apply the more vigorous spinal manipulation technique. However, it is possible to perform manipulation safely from the outset in many patients. These are the patients who often feel that something in their back has `jammed' and feel the need for physical therapy. Such patients who have received relief, sometimes instantaneously, in the past for a similar disorder will seek out therapists who provide this treatment.

Manipulation's bad name, particularly among surgeons who have to deal with subsequent disrupted discs is related to inappropriate spinal manipulation that aggravates the problem or fails to help over a long period of time.

The management of back pain is incorrectly portrayed as a difficult problem shrouded in medical ignorance. The physician has to provide optimal circumstances for the dysfunction problem to heal itself. The key to successful management is for the practitioner to be well informed, confident and believable, and be prepared to give or organise safe effective physical therapy for back problems which are slow to respond to conservative methods."

Terry O'Brien
www.backtrouble.co.uk

Physical therapy is a cure not just a temporary relief from all those body aches and pains a person suffers from. Unlike ordinary massages, physical therapy looks into the physical problems of an individual to prevent them from further deteriorating and affecting a major part of his life. And as this is a science, it aims to promote physical endurance and stability in muscle and bone coordination.

People who can greatly benefit from physical therapy include those with temporary and permanent disabilities as well as those experiencing pains in certain parts of their body. The goal here is to relieve a patient from pain and allow him or her to lead a normal life performing his daily tasks with no difficulty. It targets the musculoskeletal, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and integument systems of the body. Specifically, the major benefits are as follows:

?Increase and maintain muscle strength and endurance;

?Regain joint range of motion;

?Reduce pain;

?Reduce muscle spasm;

?Lessen joint swelling and inflammation;

?Prevent deformity of limbs;

?Correct walking problems;

?Educate patients and their family; and

?Lessen stress.

While adults are often the major beneficiaries, children can also benefit from physical therapy. Kids experiencing developmental delays as well as muscle and joint weaknesses early in life can be aided by a physiatrist in regaining their strength and balance. Exercises and ultrasound therapies are also applied depending on the physical weakness problem involved.

The process of physical therapy entails rehabilitation of the physical body and mindset of a patient. Exercises including stretching, balance and coordination performed at the facility or at home are given to suit the patient's condition, medicines and vitamins may be prescribed by the doctor and electrical stimulation and massage may be applied on affected parts of the body. Other treatment methods used are trigger point release, soft tissue release, myofascial stretching, muscle re-education, re-conditioning program and specific strengthening of weak muscles such as those suffered by stroke patients.

In addition to the physical aspect, patients may also undergo emotional therapy. This is to encourage them to go on with their therapy and not be frustrated with their condition. A positive outlook is vital in order for the therapy to take its full effect. It is also essential that patients follow the instructions of physical therapists to the letter. Exercises should be performed continuously even at home to maintain the body's strength and posture.

Physical therapy has different types. The orthopedic therapy is the most common and normally done in the hospital after surgery. Pediatric physical therapy is aimed at determining the health problems of infants, children and adolescents while geriatric therapy focuses on older people suffering from osteoporosis and other problems related to aging. Neurological therapy is for people with neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and brain injuries. Speech therapy, meanwhile, is helpful in strengthening facial muscles especially in children having difficulty eating and swallowing.

Article Source : Physical Therapy

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Both Terry OBrien & Rokai Kolam are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Terry OBrien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms, Backpain and Vitamin and Mineral Supplement. Over 20 years in General Medicine with a keen interest in Skeletomuscular Conditions and Natural Treatment Options! Terry Launched Back Trouble UK during 2007 to promote more quality links and information on non invasive natural therapy for people w. Terry OBrien's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

Rokai Kolam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Teeth Whitening and Home Management. offers orthopedic and sports rehabilitation treatments. It has a team of professional. Rokai Kolam's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.