Tools Used By Physical Therapists
The tools used by physical therapists are many but each option is specific to each case. Understanding the techniques used can help a person determine if physical therapy is needed and how much they should schedule. Below is a list of tools a therapist may use.
Electrotherapy and ultrasonotherapy
These are techniques that consist of applying electric currents or ultrasound therapy in certain parts of the body. This option aims to enhance neuromuscular actions and improve tissue development, nutrition, and maintenance. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and hydrotherapy
Thermotherapy and cryotherapy are therapeutic methods that use heat (thermotherapy) and cold (cryotherapy) to alleviate acute and chronic rheumatic pain and visceral colic. Cryotherapy also serves as an anti-inflammatory in injuries such as sprains, and also as a destructive method to treat skin tumors. Talk to a specialist to see which physical therapy options are available to you.
Hydrotherapy uses water as a therapeutic method, including thalassotherapy (use of the environment and marine climate) and hydro-kinesitherapy (performing exercises in the water). Hydrotherapy serves to reduce inflammation and pain, dilate blood vessels and relax muscles, besides having an antispasmodic effect.
Mechanotherapy and press-therapy
Mechanotherapy refers to treatments that use mechanical devices, such as in patients with disabilities, patients in need of prostheses, etc. Press-therapy is performed by a machine that uses compressive massage that helps to expel excess fluid and improve circulation; it is used in cases of edema, varicose veins, and post-phlebitic syndrome. People who regularly head to therapy may use this type.
Magnetotherapy and phototherapy
Magnetic therapy consists of a treatment through electromagnetic fields that helps eliminate contractures and is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Phototherapy involves the treatment of injuries through the application of ultraviolet or infrared light and is indicated in pathologies and diseases of the skin, such as acne, psoriasis, decubitus ulcers and physiological newborn jaundice.
Therapy helps to stop the effects of degenerative diseases
Physical therapy is indicated, in many cases, to help the body cushion and prevent the impact of some effects produced by degenerative diseases and brain injuries, such as multiple sclerosis, ALS or Parkinson's. Techniques like neurological physiotherapy can treat nervous system disorders related to postural tone and pathological neuromotor patterns, while respiratory physiotherapy can combat pathologies of the respiratory system caused by degenerative diseases.
Strengthens the body
Therapy strengthens the body’s muscular, osseous and joint structures, and eases flexibility, which helps to prevent injuries. Also, it enables the body to tolerate exercise better because resistance can be increased. Visit ReachPTNYC.com to learn more.
Electrotherapy and ultrasonotherapy
These are techniques that consist of applying electric currents or ultrasound therapy in certain parts of the body. This option aims to enhance neuromuscular actions and improve tissue development, nutrition, and maintenance. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and hydrotherapy
Thermotherapy and cryotherapy are therapeutic methods that use heat (thermotherapy) and cold (cryotherapy) to alleviate acute and chronic rheumatic pain and visceral colic. Cryotherapy also serves as an anti-inflammatory in injuries such as sprains, and also as a destructive method to treat skin tumors. Talk to a specialist to see which physical therapy options are available to you.
Hydrotherapy uses water as a therapeutic method, including thalassotherapy (use of the environment and marine climate) and hydro-kinesitherapy (performing exercises in the water). Hydrotherapy serves to reduce inflammation and pain, dilate blood vessels and relax muscles, besides having an antispasmodic effect.
Mechanotherapy and press-therapy
Mechanotherapy refers to treatments that use mechanical devices, such as in patients with disabilities, patients in need of prostheses, etc. Press-therapy is performed by a machine that uses compressive massage that helps to expel excess fluid and improve circulation; it is used in cases of edema, varicose veins, and post-phlebitic syndrome. People who regularly head to therapy may use this type.
Magnetotherapy and phototherapy
Magnetic therapy consists of a treatment through electromagnetic fields that helps eliminate contractures and is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Phototherapy involves the treatment of injuries through the application of ultraviolet or infrared light and is indicated in pathologies and diseases of the skin, such as acne, psoriasis, decubitus ulcers and physiological newborn jaundice.
Therapy helps to stop the effects of degenerative diseases
Physical therapy is indicated, in many cases, to help the body cushion and prevent the impact of some effects produced by degenerative diseases and brain injuries, such as multiple sclerosis, ALS or Parkinson's. Techniques like neurological physiotherapy can treat nervous system disorders related to postural tone and pathological neuromotor patterns, while respiratory physiotherapy can combat pathologies of the respiratory system caused by degenerative diseases.
Strengthens the body
Therapy strengthens the body’s muscular, osseous and joint structures, and eases flexibility, which helps to prevent injuries. Also, it enables the body to tolerate exercise better because resistance can be increased. Visit ReachPTNYC.com to learn more.