If you have never sprained an ankle, or broken a leg, you may be wondering why is physiotherapy important in such circumstances? Injuries such as these do not belong only to people participating in sport activities. Anyone can twist their foot, sprain their wrist, and dislocate their shoulder. The pain involved depends on both the person, the extend of injury and how soon the patient takes action against the injury.
It is true that in many cases the patient will start to feel relief and see reduced swelling and bruising if they are quick to use the RICE method before and after their doctor is convinced no broken bones are involved. The RICE method stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is a simple idea that many people know how to use at home. It is also a form of physiotherapy. Without taking this step the afflicted area may fill with excess fluid and swell, leading to further complications down the line.
For people with bone and joint injuries, pain is significantly reduced and recovery times act much faster when the patient undergoes physical therapy. While in relaxing and repairing mode, the bone, joint and surrounding muscles get little to no use. Exercise therapy is important to gain joint movability, and to gain muscle, tendon and ligament elasticity and strength to support the patient after recovery.
Why is physiotherapy important to a patient with neck or back pain and injury? A sore back could be caused by overexerting the muscles and tissues, or be caused by something else such as a spinal problem. Ignoring the pain and carrying on with every day activities without the proper therapy may severe flare ups and chronic pain that gets notably worse over time and can lead to becoming bedridden. Therapeutic massage is a form of physiotherapy. It is used to help loosen and relax tightened muscles and relieve pain. A therapist also shows the patient a series of exercises that will help remove pain, strengthen the back and, with constant routine, help keep back pain and strain from returning.
Why is physiotherapy important to a person with Cystic Fibrosis? Patients with Cystic Fibrosis are unable to remove bacteria filled mucus from their lungs and system on their own. This causes breathing difficulties and respiratory problems that could lead to death if gone untreated. The methods used in chest physiotherapy help to free the patients lungs and airways and prevent the mucus from returning to block airways.
These are only some reasons, but good ones to answer the why is physiotherapy important question. In fact, the question should not be why is physiotherapy important, but why would anyone wish to go without physiotherapy to help the recovery process?