Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is a service within the specialty of physical medicine aimed at achieving optimal mobility and functionality for individuals. By applying targeted techniques, it helps to prevent and treat issues caused by diseases or injuries of the movement system, thereby rehabilitating individuals with reduced capabilities or functional limitations. Physical therapy is performed and overseen by a physiotherapist based on the diagnosis provided by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, known as a physiatrist. The type and plan of therapy are prescribed during the initial examination by the physiatrist, depending on the patient’s issues and functional status.

When is physical therapy needed?

Physical therapy is indicated in various conditions and issues that result in pain, reduced mobility, or limited functional capacity Its most common applications include:

• Rehabilitation following injuries and surgical procedures of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., joint prosthesis implantation; hip, shoulder, knee arthroscopy, etc.)
• Treatment of inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases (various types of arthritis and arthrosis)

Other indications for physical therapy include:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, pelvic pain, etc.)
• Conditions following a stroke and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, etc.
• Muscle imbalances and increased risk of injury
• Developmental issues in the locomotor system in children

What does physical therapy involve?

There are various forms of physical therapy tailored to the diagnosis, type of issues, and patient needs. It may include:

• Physical procedures with different effects on the treated tissue (radiofrequency, magnet therapy, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice; shockwave therapy, lymphatic drainage)
• Exercises actively performed by the patient
• Passive exercises performed by the physiotherapist
• Various types of manual therapy, such as PIR (Post-Isometric Relaxation), functional massage, friction massage, mobilization, etc.
• Use of robotic devices for assisted rehabilitation

Types of physical therapy provided

Radiofrequency: Utilizes high-frequency alternating current to disrupt or interfere with nociceptive pathways carrying pain signals from bodily damage (e.g., post-surgical or injury-related pain). It is beneficial in the rehabilitation and treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Electrotherapy (TENS): Also known as “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” this uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. It is used in rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries and for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Ultrasound therapy: Uses sound waves that penetrate tissue, acting mechanically, thermally, and biochemically. It heats tissue to promote circulation and healing, reduce pain, and ease muscle tension. Common indications include neck and back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, osteoarthritis, nerve pain, muscle spasms, etc.

Shockwave therapy: Uses acoustic shockwaves to enhance circulation, stimulate collagen synthesis, promote healing, and soften soft tissue calcifications. It is particularly useful in rehabilitation after bone fractures, as well as conditions like tendinopathies, jumper’s knee, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis.

Lymphatic drainage: Also known as pressotherapy or compression therapy; uses a machine to alternately inflate and deflate air pressure on specific body areas. It helps remove (drain) accumulated extracellular fluid, reduces pain and swelling. It can treat arms, legs, and torso.

What are the benefits of physical therapy?

Physical therapy can positively impact various bodily systems that play a key role in movement:

• Musculoskeletal system
• Central and peripheral nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves)
• Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• Integumentary system (skin sensations such as heat, cold, pressure, pain, and vibration)

By targeting these systems, physical therapy can improve or restore mobility, strength, flexibility, overall functionality, and thus, the quality of life.

The advantages of physical therapy are comprised of several important segments:

• Pain reduction

Chronic pain caused by injury, illness, inflammation, or of unknown origin can significantly hinder functionality in daily life and require regular use of pain medications. Physical techniques with various effects on the tissue experiencing pain, exercises, manual therapy, and other forms of physiotherapy can significantly contribute to reducing pain in chronic conditions.

• Faster recovery after orthopedic procedures and sports injuries

Physiotherapy aids faster recovery after surgeries or injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In such conditions, therapy focuses on reducing swelling and inflammation, improving circulation, preventing the formation of scar tissue, and restoring mobility and range of motion.

• Postponing surgical interventions

Persistent problems and the recommendation for a surgical procedure on a joint, spine, or another part of the musculoskeletal system may make surgery seem like the only or best solution. However, experience shows that in some conditions, physical therapy can achieve the same, if not better, results in reducing pain and increasing functionality, with minimal risk. According to physical medicine recommendations, it is often better to attempt to alleviate symptoms through physical therapy to avoid or at least delay surgery.

• Improvement of athletic performance

Physical therapy can target areas where there is room for improvement in sports performance. Various physiotherapy techniques, tailored to individual needs, can help professional athletes make progress in speed, strength, endurance, and flexibility.

• Injury prevention

In addition to treating existing conditions, physical therapy plays an important role in preventing injuries. It is based on a detailed physical examination that assesses motor skills, reflexes, gait patterns, posture, muscle strength, and range of motion. Based on this assessment, physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed to correct any deviations that, over time and with aging, can lead to various musculoskeletal injuries.

Preparing for physical therapy

Certain types of physical therapy may require exposing the body part being treated To facilitate undressing, it is recommended to wear or bring comfortable clothing and clean footwear.

It is recommended to bring slippers and a sweatshirt to the examination.

Cost of physical therapy

You can check the prices for various types of physical therapy at Poliklinika Sinteza in the current price list.

Service Location

 

FAQ