Types of Physiotherapy

Treatments - Physiotherapy
Interventions
Posted By: David Mangusan Jr., PTRP

Different Treatments Used by Physiotherapists

The types of physiotherapy treatments vary and depends on your particular muscular or skeletal condition. Often,
physiotherapy treatments are specifically made for one person and may not be the same for another with the same
condition. Treatments are "tailor-made" for your particular problems and goals.

Types of Physiotherapy Treatments / Interventions

Cold Therapy or Cryotherapy

Cold therapy is effective in minimizing pain and swelling, especially in acute (immediate) injuries. It may also be
used just after deep kneading massage (DKM). Examples of cold therapy are ice pack application and ice massage.

Heat Therapy

Applying heat can help improve your blood flow especially at the site of injury, thus, speeding up healing. In
addition, it can help soften tight tissues and relieves pain. There are several heating modalities and devices available
including
 Hot packs

 Paraffin wax bath

 Infrared heat

 Ultrasound (US)

 Diathermy

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation is used to prevent muscle atrophy (wasting) in people with paralysis and assist in gaining some
degree of muscle strength, such as after a knee surgery. In electrical stimulation, electrodes are placed on the
surface of the skin, which can cause muscles to shorten.

TENS

TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a type of electrical stimulation. It is a small battery-powered
device that sends low current through the electrodes place on the skin surface. A TENS device does not cause the
muscles to contract, but rather helps temporarily relieve pain.

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises

Range of motion exercises are often prescribed to increase or maintain flexibility of your joints and to reduce
stiffness. There several types of range of motion exercises often prescribed including the following
 Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises

 Active Assistive Range of Motion(AAROM) Exercises

 Active Range of Motion (AROM) Exercices

Strengthening Exercises

Certain conditions can make your muscles to become weak. Strengthening exercises is an important part of
physiotherapy rehabilitation to prepare you for your return to your original performance level or highest possible
function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization or therapeutic massage may be a part of your physiotherapy treatment to relax your tight
muscles, relieve pain and reduce swelling.

The following are other physiotherapy treatments. More information will be provided in future topics.
 Joint Mobilization

 Gait (Walking) Training / Assistive Device Training

 Postural Training

 Ergonomic training

 Balance Exercises
 Traction

 Taping

 Bandaging

 Fitting of Orthosis

Another important aspect of physiotherapy rehabilitation is patient / family education. You will learn so much from
your physiotherapist about your particular condition, what you can do at home to manage your symptoms,
precautions to observe, and repeat injury prevention.