Role of Physiotherapy in modern life

World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year. The day is an opportunity of physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution the profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent. The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and Community.

Physiotherapy is a science that helps improve movement dysfunction, and promote functions of the human body and optimal health. This involves assessment, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disabilities through physical means. A physiotherapist helps patients rehabilitate from a state of incapacity due to genetic defect or the result of an accident or illness. He must have excellent interpersol skills including being empathetic, having patience and being able to understand people. Apart from these, manual dexterity and physical stami to work for long hours is part of the terrain. Physiotherapists are required in each department of a hospital, be it ICU or geriatrics, and be can also close to work independently or be part of a multidiscipliry team.

Conditions treated through physiotherapy include spil and joint conditions like arthritis, post-accident treatment and rehabilitation, back and neck pain, work-related injuries, sports injuries, brain injuries like strokes and other neurological problems, problems affecting children including cerebral palsy etc.

Methods of treatment constantly change and many that were once prominent and popular have lost popularity. Exercise therapy together with passive movement, mobilization and manipulation today form a major part of the work of the practicing physiotherapist. New rehabilitation and robotic techniques keep getting developed; one cannot predict what is in store in the future.

Physiotherapy is now being considered as a vital organ of medical science dealing with physical rehabilitation after injuries, diseases and other impairments as well as pain relief. It is a major mode of treatment and relief for diseases like asteoarthritis and back pain which are rising alarmingly in the population. However, in absence of a proper regulatory body, physiotherapy is being mudding by untrained practitioners leading to a steep increase in mishandling related complications. The Indian Government needs to constitute a Council for Physiotherapy on the lines of Medical Council and Nursing Council for monitoring the education standards and regulating the practice though measures like registration of qualified physiotherapist.

– Progyan Pratim Borgohain