Physiotherapy is a medical specialty that deals with the treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and other body systems. The aim of physiotherapy is to improve the body’s ability to move and function, alleviate pain and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Main objectives of physiotherapy:
- Pain relief: Through targeted measures such as massages, manual therapy or electrotherapy.
- Restoring mobility: Especially after injuries, operations or chronic illnesses.
- Muscle development and stabilization: To prevent incorrect posture and overloading.
- Promoting healing: Through techniques that promote blood circulation and metabolism.
- Prevention: To prevent recurrence of injuries or complaints.
Typical areas of application:
- Orthopaedics: Treatment of back, joint and muscle problems, such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis or scoliosis.
- Neurology: support for illnesses such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.
- Sports physiotherapy: rehabilitation and performance enhancement for sports injuries.
- Pediatrics: treatment of developmental disorders or congenital diseases in children.
- Geriatrics: Improving mobility and quality of life in old age.
Frequently used methods:
- Manual therapy: joint and muscle mobilization using special hand movements.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve mobility, strength and coordination.
- Electrotherapy: application of electric current to relieve pain or stimulate muscles.
- Heat and cold therapy: stimulation of blood circulation and relaxation of the muscles.
- Lymphatic drainage: stimulation of lymphatic drainage, especially in the case of swelling or oedema.
Physiotherapy is used both preventively and rehabilitatively and plays an important role in restoring and maintaining health.