Professional who works directly in health promotion, the physiotherapist has a solid knowledge of the functionalities of the human body October 13th we celebrate the day of the physiotherapist!
This health professional is very important and should be highly valued in our society, because in addition to having great knowledge of the human body, he has a fundamental role in the prevention, maintenance and promotion of health.
We can define what physiotherapy is as a “set of techniques used in the treatment and prevention of diseases and injuries”, however, physiotherapy has a very broad area of action, as it acts directly on the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of each individual.
To re-establish and strengthen the physical and functional capacity of their patients, in addition to massage and gymnastics, the physiotherapist uses other resources such as thermotherapy which are treatments based on cold and heat, water treatments, and/or special devices according to the need for patient treatment.
Physiotherapy Work Field
There are some niche markets for physical therapists that are constantly on the rise. This is the case of sports physiotherapy. However, there are several fields of action of physiotherapy, among which we can highlight:
doctor’s offices
clinics
rehabilitation centers
nursing homes
schools
sports clubs
home care
hospitals
health units
private companies
public companies
researches
autonomous service
How is the training of a Physiotherapist?
To graduate in physiotherapy, it is necessary to attend 4 years of Higher Education, in addition to a mandatory internship.
During training, the student studies a lot the functioning of the human body through subjects such as anatomy, biology, pathology, histology, physiology, public health, neurology, orthopedics, traumatology, in addition to other subjects.
What is physiotherapy?
It is the science that studies, diagnoses, prevents and recovers patients with intercurrent functional kinetic disorders in organs and systems of the human body. Works with diseases caused by genetic changes, traumas or acquired diseases.
The objective of this area is to preserve, maintain, develop or restore (rehabilitation) the integrity of organs, systems or functions. Knowledge and own resources are used as part of the therapeutic process in psycho-physical-social conditions to promote improvement in quality of life.
It bases actions on therapeutic mechanisms systematized by studies of the morphological, physiological, pathological, biochemical, biophysical, biomechanical, kinesia, functional synergy, kinesia pathology of organs and systems of the human body. In addition to behavioral and social disciplines.
What does a physical therapist do?
The physiotherapist starts an appointment by performing a physiotherapeutic diagnosis of the patient. It analyzes and interprets exams and medical reports to have a broad view of the patient’s health status and to identify any possible injury. Also observe the patient’s movements, if he has motor difficulties or feels pain.
From the diagnosis, the physiotherapist prescribes the treatment to be performed. The type varies according to the patient’s condition and the lesion to be treated, which may be:
Massage application;
Physical exercises;
Treatment based on cold and heat;
Exercises in the water.
The first part of the treatment is performed in the presence of the physiotherapist, who monitors each movement and guides the patient in the exercise, identifying the progress in the restoration of movements.
A later stage of treatment may also consist of exercises that the patient will do alone, at home. In this case, the physiotherapist teaches the movements that must be made and advises on the frequency and strength that must be applied in each one.
The physiotherapist reassesses the patient regularly to identify improvement in his overall health and adjust treatment. In general, he keeps a body evaluation form, where he writes down some personal data, habits, possible complaints of pain and family history of diseases.
What are the areas of physiotherapy?
Pediatric, Neonatological and Hebrew
It is the specialty that uses its own methods and techniques for the treatment of illnesses of newborns, children.
Geriatric and gerontological
It studies, prevents and treats dysfunctions resulting from the aging process together with geriatrics, through the administration of physiotherapeutic approaches, preventing functional problems and promoting the overall functional recovery of elderly people.
Dermatofunctional
A specialty that diagnoses, studies, and treats dermatological and intertegumentary disorders.
Urogynecofunctional and Obstetric
Its main objective is the prevention and treatment of urinary, fecal, and sexual dysfunctions, through various resources, among them the re-education of the pelvic floor and accessory muscles, which will be submitted to strengthening exercises.
Obstetric
It is based on promoting a better adaptation of women to changes in their bodies during pregnancy, preparing all their structures for childbirth.
Neurofunctional
Area aimed at the study, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders that may or may not involve motor dysfunctions; for example, patients who have suffered a stroke. Neurofunctional physiotherapy induces therapeutic actions to recover functions, including motor coordination, strength, balance and coordination. The therapy in neurological physiotherapy is based on exercises that promote the restoration of motor functions, in order to resolve motor deficiencies and improve motor patterns, with an important foundation in the neurophysiological principles of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
Functional-orthopedic trauma
It studies, diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders, of orthopedic origin or due to trauma, in addition to rheumatological diseases. It uses therapeutic resources to increase the movement capacity, stimulate circulation and decrease the pain of patients with fractures, muscular traumas and sprains.
Respiratory
Set of physiotherapeutic procedures that aim to improve the breathing dynamics and the distribution of the inhaled air in the lung, remove bronchial secretions, thus obtaining better respiratory function. In addition to manual techniques, there are several pieces of equipment that assist in obtaining these results.
Orofacial
It works mainly in oral health in conjunction with Dentistry and Speech Therapy, treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint, in addition to treating disorders related to eye problems and pre and postoperative facial plastic surgeries.
Sport
Acts directly in sports activities, in the preparation, prevention and recovery of injuries in the rehabilitation process
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is an area that we need to respect and value a lot, as these professionals have an excellent knowledge of the functionalities of the human body and act directly in promoting our health!