Role of Physiotherapy in Rehabilitation

 The aim of rehabilitation is "to take the patient from the bed to the job." To achieve this, a large team-organisation is necessary and as a member of this team physiotherapist plays a very important role. The requirements of the physiotherapist or any other member of the team to achieve the great result are:-

   👉 the ability to carry out instructions accurately.

   👉 the ability and desire to cooperate with the other members of the team, especially with occupational therapist.

  👉 observe accurately for evaluation and in the planning for the disabled.

  👉 ability to give the patient confidence.

Physiotherapists play a role in:-

      💧 PREVENTION 

      💧 TREATMENT

      💧 RESTORATIVE

                                  1. PREVENTIVE ROLE

Assess the physical health and identifying any musculoskeletal, neurological problems that could be aggravated by any means.

To carry out awareness programme in various communities, regions by conducting camps, audio-video tapes, banners with the help of local people or the local resource providers.

To identify the higher risk population and to plan a strategy to overcome that problem.

To arrange meaningful workshops on small scale in different regions or communities to make people aware about general health, hygiene, use of services provided by government.

To plan workshops, focusing mainly on the old age population in the region making the family members aware about the problems that could be face by affected persons. Example: high risk of fall, etc.

To plan workshops to check the risk on pediatric problems in a region.

To prevent any secondary complication of the bedridden patient or patient who are admitted in ICU and cannot move like bedsores, retention of lung secretion, oedema, muscular atrophy.

                            2. TREATMENT ROLE

Physiotherapist advises some exercises to the patient to achieve therapeutic benefit and these exercises are called Therapeutic Exercises.

Coordination exercises- any patient who is not able to do a purposeful movement due to lack of coordination.

Balance training- balance can be improved by Frankel Exercises 

Management of spasticity- by passive stretching of agonist and strengthening of antagonist. Splints and positioning are also done.

Relaxation exercises- deep breathing, etc

Reeducation of muscles with the help of electrotherapeutic modalities like faradic current.

Strengthening exercises- by applying resistance in gradual manner.

Treatment of scars and adhesions.

To treat the pain by different electrical modalities like TENS, U.S., IFT, etc.

          3. RESTORATIVE ROLE

In this phase, occupational therapist plays an important role.

Help in getting the individual independent in doing his ADLs.

Make him master of some activities so he can earn for himself.

Help him in gaining self-confidence.

Help him to get out of any depression or low self esteem.

Teach the patient to avoid such factors which can relapse the conditions

Gait training- to make the patient independent