Optimal Healthcare Team for Medical Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
What is Physical Therapy?
It is a form of physical healthcare provided to patients to relieve pain, improve movement, and prevent disability or the need for surgery. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for all beneficiaries.
Who is a Physical Therapist?
A Physical Therapist (PT) evaluates the patient’s condition and develops a practical treatment plan using specific exercises that help improve movement and physical function.
What does Physical Therapy depend on?
- The patient’s condition, age, and specific needs.
- The patient’s rate of response and recovery time.
- The nature of the patient’s condition, for example, therapy for an athlete differs from that for someone recovering from a stroke.
What are the main branches of Physical Therapy?
Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
- Geriatric Physical Therapy.
- Neurological Physical Therapy.
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
- Pediatric Physical Therapy.
- Burn and Wound Care Therapy.
- Vestibular Therapy – exercises to help the patient regain balance.
- Physical Therapy for Women.
- Physical Therapy for Sports Injuries.
What are the applications of Physical Therapy?
- Focusing on muscle, bone, ligament, and tendon injuries such as fractures, sprains, and inflammations. Treatment involves joint mobilization, strength training, and movement exercises.
- Restoring joint function, particularly for elderly patients with osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, or urinary incontinence, while improving overall physical fitness.
- Enhancing limb responsiveness and muscle strength, especially for patients with cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries.
- Treating cardiac and pulmonary patients to improve endurance and physical capacity.
- Diagnosing and treating children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or other conditions affecting movement and coordination.
- Assisting in balance rehabilitation for conditions related to inner ear disorders.
- Helping women manage conditions related to the reproductive system, such as pelvic muscle pain or weakness during and after pregnancy, lymphedema, and post-mastectomy pain.
Who is a Physical Therapy Specialist?
- Provides healthcare and treatment without surgical intervention to help patients reduce pain, improve, and restore movement.
- Educates patients on how to prevent complications and manage their health long-term.
- Diagnoses and treats patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who suffer from health problems affecting mobility and daily performance.
Where is Physical Therapy provided?
- Hospitals (outpatient clinics and inpatient wards of all types).
- Private clinics.
- Some home care centers and nursing homes.
- Cardiac and oncology centers.
- Long-term care centers and departments.
What is the mechanism of a medical examination?
- Patient examination.
- Taking the medical history.
- Conducting necessary tests.
- Diagnosing the condition.
- Developing a treatment plan and starting the therapy phase.
- Reviewing the patient’s progress and assessing improvement levels.
- Adjusting the treatment plan if unexpected results are observed.
What is the nature of physical therapy sessions and visits?
The patient spends sufficient time during sessions to allow monitoring of improvement and to adjust or modify the treatment plan as needed.
Average number of sessions:
6 to 8 sessions for common cases such as bone, muscle, and joint problems.
For neurological and pediatric cases—such as spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy, treatment may take several years depending on the condition.
Average duration per session:
• First session: 40–50 minutes, including assessment, evaluation, and general patient education.
• Subsequent sessions: 30–35 minutes, including progress evaluation and necessary modifications or additions.
Average number of visits:
Once or twice a week.
What are the therapeutic methods used in physical therapy?
- Education: Helping the patient understand the treatment plan, what to expect during therapy, and how to manage their condition after completing the sessions.
- Exercises: Vary in purpose and technique — some are designed for treatment, others for prevention and overall health improvement.
What are the main types of exercises?
The treatment program usually focuses on two or three types of exercises, chosen based on the patient’s goals and needs:
- Range-of-motion exercises.
- Aerobic exercises.
- Strengthening exercises.
- Stretching and flexibility exercises.
- Balance and neuromuscular coordination exercises.
- Breathing and relaxation exercises.
- Walking and mobility training.
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy involves using the hands to apply therapeutic techniques that promote relaxation and reduce pain, helping improve movement. It produces a neurophysiological effect by triggering the release of natural pain-relieving substances in the brain. For best results, it should be combined with other methods such as education, exercises, and daily activity management.
What is electrotherapy?
The specialist uses various electrical devices to achieve short-term goals such as pain relief and stimulation of recovery. Effectiveness varies among patients, and electrotherapy alone is insufficient for long-term improvement. It is often combined with heat or cold therapy.
What is therapy using medical supports, braces, and splints?
These are important tools in the early stages of recovery to protect the injured area, control pain, and reduce swelling, but they should not be used for extended periods.
What is hydrotherapy?
Water-based exercises are among the most effective rehabilitation methods for restoring range of motion, strengthening muscles, relieving pain, and promoting relaxation.
How to access medical rehabilitation and physical therapy services in government hospitals:
- Referral from primary healthcare centers through hospital outpatient clinics (orthopedic, neurology, or internal medicine clinics).
- Provide an up-to-date medical report from the public or private sector.
- Open a file and book an appointment in the medical rehabilitation and physical therapy department.
Common Misconceptions About Physical Therapy
- Physical therapy is painful
Fact:
Physical therapy aims to reduce pain and promote comfort, including in cases of chronic pain. Physical therapists work carefully with your pain to help you heal, restore movement, and regain function.
2. Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents
Fact:
Physical therapy goes beyond treating injuries or strengthening weak muscles after surgery. Therapists can assess and diagnose potential issues before they become serious conditions—such as carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, chronic headaches, or lower back pain.
3. Any healthcare professional can perform physical therapy
Fact:
Physical therapy should only be performed by licensed physical therapists who hold board certification in specific areas such as neurology, orthopedics, sports medicine, or women’s health, among others.
4. Surgery is the only option
Fact:
In many cases, physical therapy has been proven to be just as effective as surgery for a wide range of conditions, including shoulder pain, herniated discs, ACL tears, and certain types of knee arthritis.
5.Patients can perform physical therapy on their own
Fact:
Your participation is essential for a successful treatment plan, but professional supervision by a licensed physical therapist remains necessary. Physical therapists undergo specialized education and clinical training and use advanced methods and equipment to assess, diagnose, and design personalized treatment plans.
6. Physical therapy is just massage or relaxation therapy
Fact:
Physical therapy is a branch of medical science. Physical therapists have deep knowledge of anatomy and neurology, and it is one of the most effective treatments that helps the body heal naturally without relying on medication or surgery.
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