Physiotherapist is a medical practitioner who has special skills in conducting treatment related to motion disorder and body function.
A physiotherapist must complete the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Education in at least 4 years. He/she must also have a certificate of Physiotherapist competence and registration letter of physiotherapist as a condition of undergoing a duty in the hospital or clinic.
Conditions that can be dealt with physiotherapist
The main purpose of physiotherapy is to restore or minimize the disruption of the motion system and bodily functions due to injury or illness.
Here are some conditions involving physiotherapist in their treatment:
- Respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
- Neurological disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as back pain, arthritis, neck injuries, and fractures of the arms or limbs.
- Cardiovascular disorders (heart and blood vessels), such as coronary heart disease, and rehabilitation after cardiac arrest.
- The treatment of this physiotherapist is not intended for adults only. Children who experience the above conditions or other conditions, such as spina Bifilda and cerebral palsy, also require the treatment of a physiotherapist.
Some measures performed by physiotherapist
There are three main treatment methods performed by physiotherapist, namely:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is performed by a physiotherapist by moving, massaging, or manipulating the body part of the patient experiencing impaired function. This therapy can relieve pain or stiffness in joints and muscles, blood circulation, restore movement disorders, and help with relaxation.
Movement exercises
In this therapeutic method, physiotherapist provides training to the patient to improve mobility, and strengthen joints and muscles. For example, the exercises move the whole body, walking with the help of a cane, or therapy with water or hydrotherapy.
In addition, physiotherapists will also teach the patient the exercise movement that can be performed independently at home, to help relieve pain or reduce the risk of injury.
Education and advice
In addition to manual therapy and movement exercises, physiotherapists will teach patients about a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining an ideal body weight and exercising regularly. Physiotherapists will also usually provide special recommendations, such as good posture when sleeping, sitting, and walking, as well as the correct position when lifting heavy objects. It is useful for reducing pain and risk of injury.
Besides the above three methods, physiotherapists sometimes also do special techniques to reduce pain and help the recovery process, such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and ultrasound therapy.
Before meeting a physiotherapist, it is a good idea to record some of the information that may be needed to determine the appropriate treatment:
- Your history of complaints and symptoms are in detail.
- Changes or difficulties you experience due to your condition, ranging from difficulty to doing daily activities to stress or depression.
- History of the disease that you have and are experiencing, including allergies.
- List all medications and supplements you are consuming.
To get the treatment from a physiotherapist, you need to request a recommendation from a medical rehabilitation specialist, so that the treatment is given according to your condition and needs.
