Gita Debnath
(Student-College of Physiotherapy and Medical Sciences, She can be reached at debnathgita623@gmail.com)
World Physiotherapy Day is observed to generate awareness about the crucial contributions physiotherapists make to society.
Physiotherapy involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases and disabilities.
Physiotherapy has been around since 460 BC. It played a vital role in World War I and polio outbreak to cure people, and physiotherapy today is an independent healthcare profession for all age groups, from neonatal to geriatric (from birth to old age). The importance of physiotherapy from the sports field to the intensive care unit (ICU) Physiotherapy has a vast role in improving patients quality of life.
Who are physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists are evidence-based health care professionals, which means they always try to provide the best treatment available based on research, tailored to the individual. They learn how to pinpoint an injury’s root cause and treat the patient.
Physiotherapy deals with almost all disciplines of medicine.
n Orthopaedics/musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Fractures, joint stiffness, joint pain, joint inflammation, ligament strain, sprain, tear, inability to work, and many orthopaedic conditions
n Neurological physiotherapy
Stroke, paralysis, balance disorder, spinal cord injury, or any nerve injury-related condition.
n Paediatricphysiotherapy
Respiratory infections, fractures in children, cerebral palsy, clubfoot before and after surgery (in the case of CHD), and many more
n Sports physiotherapy
n Physiotherapy in Rehabilitation
n Onco physiotherapy
Physiotherapy deals with various conditions.
This year, the day will focus on arthritis.
Arthritis is a joint-related disease. There are various types of arthritis. Arthritis is the leading disability.
Arthritis can affect people of all ages and levels of physical fitness.
There are various types of arthritis. Some of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis, gout, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
If you are having
n Joint pain
n Stiffness
n Swelling
n Warmness or redness over the joint
n Crackle sound from the joint
n Or movement problem
Then consult your nearby professional specialist.
The symptoms of arthritis can vary from person to person.
Arthritis can make life difficult by reducing mobility and making everyday activities harder to do. It can affect people’s ability to work and participate in social and leisure activities.
Arthritis is a progressive disease that, if not treated properly, can worsen with time. However, with the right treatment and approach, you can manage your arthritis and live well.
If you don’t have arthritis, then a few tips may help you prevent it.
n Keep your weight in a healthy range.
n Exercise
n Listen to your body; don’t ignore pain.
n Avoid injury
n Protect your joints.
Arthritis facts and figures
n Arthritis is one of the oldest known diseases.
n Women are more likely to develop arthritis.
n Children can develop arthritis too.
n There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
n 54% of adults with arthritis are more likely to be obese.
Physiotherapists are part of a multidisciplinary team that can help you manage arthritis, stay active, and keep moving.
Physiotherapy departments in government hospitals, private hospitals, private clinics, and rehab centres provide care for patients.
There are different schemes and policies that offer coverage for physiotherapy. Like
n Nirmaya (a health insurance scheme)
n VIKAAS (daycare)
These schemes provide affordable health insurance to people with disabilities.