<p><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/physiotherapy%20_.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/> </p><p>Physiotherapy is a form of treatment that uses physical means to help relieve pain and improve the body's strength and movement to restore function. It is applicable in various conditions, ranging from acute to chronic medical conditions, injuries, sports or otherwise and post-surgical management of most conditions.</p><p><strong>What is physiotherapy and how can it benefit me?</strong></p><p>Physiotherapy also known as physical therapy utilizes physical means such as electrical currents, sound waves, heat and cold to relieve symptoms of pain, weakness and stiffness. However, the mainstay of physical therapy is exercise and joint and tissue manipulations. Patient education and lifestyle modification also play a major role in ensuring the gains are maintained and prevention of recurrences. The ultimate goal is to rehabilitate you to as close as possible to your pre-illness level of function and independence. Patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, recovering from injuries or seeking to improve their health can benefit from physical therapy.</p><p><strong>What conditions or injuries can physiotherapy help with?</strong></p><p>A wide range of conditions and injuries can be treated with physiotherapy. These include musculoskeletal injuries for example sprains, strains, fractures, back and neck pain, arthritis, neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, palsies and paralyses of all kinds, sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. Other less known conditions managed with physiotherapy include women health issues such as incontinence and pelvic floor weakness, swellings caused by deficient lymphatic drainage either as a result of breast cancer treatment or other conditions like elephantiasis, and respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and bronchiectasis.</p><p><strong>How does a physiotherapist assess my condition and create a treatment plan?</strong></p><p>Thorough assessment will be carried out by the physiotherapist to assess your problems such as pain, stiffness and weakness. They will then analyse how these affect your physiological functions and ability to perform your functional activities. Your medical history, lifestyle and personal goals shall also be taken into account. A personalized treatment plan, which may include different exercises, manual therapy techniques, education and lifestyle changes, will then be developed by the physiotherapist on the basis of this assessment.</p><p><strong>What can I expect during a physiotherapy session?</strong></p><p>You will be expected to participate in a series of activities that aim at improving your mobility, strength, balance and general function while undergoing physiotherapy. Hands on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, stretches and strength exercises may be part of the session according to your requirements. Throughout the session, your therapist will provide you with guidance and support so that you can feel relaxed and safe.</p><p><strong>How do I know I should see a physiotherapist?</strong></p><p>If you have an injury, weakness or pain that affects how you function, a physiotherapist can help. Physiotherapists will help you recover from injury and work on a plan for prevention of future re-injury.
</p><p><strong>How long will it take to see results from physiotherapy?</strong></p><p>Overall, physiotherapy can be a great way to reduce pain and improve movement, but it is important to follow the treatment plan set out by your physiotherapist and make any necessary lifestyle changes. The duration of recovery will vary from one condition to another. Generally musculoskeletal conditions recover faster than neurological conditions. The chronicity of the condition, how long you've had it, also determines the rate of recovery. You will recover faster if you see your physiotherapist early. Acute musculoskeletal conditions will improve in one to three weeks while chronic and neurological conditions will take a few weeks to months to recover. However, you should progressively see improvement throughout the process.</p><p><strong>Are there any risks or side effects associated with physiotherapy?</strong></p><p>As with any other medical intervention, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of in physiotherapy. This means that, after exercises or manual therapy, there is a temporary feeling of pain or discomfort and the risk of injury if they are not correctly executed. To guarantee your safety during the course of treatment, your physiotherapist will take appropriate measures.</p><p><strong>Can physiotherapy help prevent future injuries or manage chronic conditions?</strong></p><p>Yes, by addressing underlying problems, improving biomechanics and teaching proper movement patterns, physiotherapy plays an important role in injury prevention and management of chronic diseases.</p><p><strong>What can I do to maximize the benefits of physiotherapy?</strong></p><p>It is important to actively participate in the treatment plan, follow your therapists' instructions and regularly perform prescribed exercises and activities so as to maximize the benefits. In addition, progress and long-term success can be encouraged by communicating openly with your therapist, regular medical appointments and proper lifestyle choices.</p><p><strong>How do I find a qualified physiotherapist and ensure that I receive quality care?</strong></p><p>All qualified physiotherapists in Kenya are licensed by the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya. Ensure you have seen the license before you submit yourself to the therapist. At Aga Khan University Hospital, we have a robust process of pre-employment verification of all professional qualifications and accreditations. This ensures that you are in safe hands and you receive the best quality of care.</p><p><em><strong>By Michael Maina, Manager, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Services at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi</strong></em>
</p>
