Physiotherapy

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy or physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that enhances health and wellness by optimizing human movement and function. It integrates evidence-based assessment, clinical reasoning, and diagnosis to effectively prevent and treat physical impairments and movement disorders, caused by injuries, disease, aging, and other factors. 

 

Physiotherapy incorporates assessment, movement analysis, patient education, and therapeutic exercises to improve a person’s quality of life by restoring physical function, reducing pain, and promoting mobility. 

History of Physiotherapy: 

The origins of physiotherapy can be traced back thousands of years, with hydrotherapy, massage, physical exercises, and yoga being widely used worldwide in countries like Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome. 

 

However, modern physiotherapy originated in the 19th century, with significant contributions made by Swedish pioneer Per Henrik Ling, who earned him the title of the “Father of Modern Physiotherapy.” His revolutionary approach integrated exercise, massage, and manual therapy to enhance physical health, leading to the development of ‘Medical Gymnastics,’ which laid the foundation for Modern Physiotherapy practices.

 

In the 20th century, Physiotherapy expanded significantly during World Wars I and II. The critical need for the rehabilitation of injured soldiers with amputation and other physical impairments created a demand for trained professionals. Innovation of new techniques, such as electrotherapy and hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation expanded to treat conditions like polio, spinal cord injuries, and chronic illnesses.

Physiotherapy in the Modern Era

In the late 20th century, Physiotherapy leaped forward with tremendous advancements in the field. The physiotherapy field has evolved from being primarily a hospital-based healthcare service to encompassing community health, sports, and preventive care, expanding into new areas and ventures. 

 

Evidence-based practice became a key element, with physiotherapists using research to guide treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes. The profession continues to grow, adapting to the needs of an aging population, the rise of chronic diseases, and advancements in healthcare.

Physiotherapy Today

Today, physiotherapy has become a well-recognized and regulated profession worldwide and is an essential part of healthcare systems. It harbors the essence and vision of traditional principles while embracing innovation and advancements to accommodate the changing needs of today’s world. Physiotherapy approaches help individuals of all ages achieve optimal physical health and enhance their quality of life.

Education: 

Physiotherapy is a professional course, structured to train students in the principles and practices of physical therapy. It provides the students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to assess, diagnose, and manage physical impairments and promote well-being across diverse populations. 

 

Physiotherapy education integrates academic learning with hands-on clinical training, blending scientific knowledge and practical skills. 

Levels of education:

Undergraduate program: BPT- Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Duration: 4.5 years which includes both academic and clinical internship

Learning subjects: 

  • Basic sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics.
  • Clinical subjects: Neurology, Orthopedics, Cardio-respiratory, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
  • Skills: Exercise therapy, Manual therapy, electrotherapy, patient assessment.

Non-specific Causes:

Postgraduate program: MPT- Master of Physiotherapy 

Duration: 2 years 

Specializations: 

  • Orthopedics: Focused on musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Neurology: Rehabilitation for neurological disorders like stroke or Parkinson’s.
  • Sports Physiotherapy: Treating athletes and sports injuries.
  • Cardio-Respiratory: Management of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
  • Women’s Health: Focusing on obstetrics, gynecology, and pelvic floor disorders.

Doctoral Degrees:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Advanced clinical practice and primary care skills.
  • PhD in Physiotherapy: Research-focused program contributing to knowledge creation.

What is physiotherapy used for?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare discipline focused on restoring, maintaining, and enhancing physical function and mobility. Physiotherapy is useful in pain management, rehabilitation of injury and surgery, neurological conditions, sports injury, and cardio-respiratory conditions, as well as in pediatric and geriatric care, and women’s health care. 

Injury & surgery rehabilitation: 

Physiotherapy helps patients recover from injuries or surgeries, such as fractures, joint replacements, or ligament repairs, focusing on improving strength and function. 

Pain management:

Physiotherapy has a crucial role in managing pain, be it acute or chronic pain. It helps reduce pain caused by arthritis, lower back pain, or fibromyalgia. 

Neurological rehabilitation:

Physiotherapy assists patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injuries to regain movement and independence. 

Sports injury rehabilitation: 

Physiotherapy in sports aims to prevent and treat sport-related injuries like sprains, tendon rupture, ligament tears, etc, and enhance athletic performance through personalized programs. 

Cardio-respiratory rehabilitation: 

The aim of physiotherapy in cardio-respiratory health is to improve heart and lung function and to support the recovery from conditions like COPD or cardiac surgeries. 

Pediatric care: 

Pediatric physiotherapy focuses on treating developmental delays and congenital issues like cerebral palsy.

Geriatric care:

Geriatric physiotherapy promotes a healthy aging process by maintaining mobility and independence in older adults. It also incorporates the prevention of falls, and age-related muscle, and bone loss through various exercise-based interventions such as resistance and endurance training.

Women’s health care: 

Women’s health physiotherapy addresses Obstetrics and gynecological issues like pelvic floor dysfunction, post-surgery rehabilitation, and prenatal and postnatal care.

Prevention of non-communicable diseases: 

Physiotherapists can also help in the effective prevention and management of several non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis,  Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Prevention of these highly prevalent conditions is essential for improving quality of life and reducing health care expenses. 

 

It is also integral to preventative care, offering strength and conditioning programs and injury prevention strategies. Through its holistic approach, physiotherapy helps individuals of all ages lead healthier, more active, and pain-free lives.

When is physiotherapy used?

Physiotherapy is useful when a person intends to live a pain-free healthy active life. Whether you are recovering from an injury, enduring chronic pain due to a problem with joints, muscles, ligaments, and other structures, or intending to improve your general fitness/athletic performance, physiotherapy will be the need of the hour to help you get better in every aspect. 

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists are movement experts who utilize movement as medicine and primarily help people overcome pain, improve mobility,  regain strength, promote overall health, and improve quality of life through hands-on care and personalized exercises. They empower individuals to live healthier, more active lives without invasive treatments.  

 

They address movement disorders, physical disabilities, injury recovery, non-communicable diseases, and women’s health issues with thorough assessment and appropriate diagnosis.  They work with people of all ages in a variety of settings. 

Is physiotherapy the same as MBBS? 

No, physiotherapy is not an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree. Both are different healthcare fields, with their own focus, scope, and training. 

 

MBBS graduates focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of medical conditions using medications, surgeries, and other interventions. 

 

Physiotherapists, on the other hand, assess and diagnose physical impairments, mobility issues, and strength deficits and then treat them with medicine-less non-invasive interventions such as exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation thereby improving the person’s functional ability and quality of life.

Is Physiotherapy a 4-years course? 

Yes, typically the duration of a (BPT) bachelor of physiotherapy course is 4- 4.5 years. It includes 4 years of academic study along with 6 months of clinical internship in various healthcare departments.