What are methods of physiotherapy?
Electrotherapy
* Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate the nerves and relieve pain. It is often used for chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain.
* Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS): EMS uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and cause them to contract. It is used to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve pain.
Hydrotherapy
* Hot tub therapy: Hot tub therapy involves soaking in a heated tub of water. It can help to relax the muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation.
* HydroMassage: HydroMassage combines hot water and water jets to massage the body and relieve stress.
* Cold therapy: Cold therapy involves applying ice or cold packs to the body. It can help to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Manual therapy
* Massage: Massage involves kneading, rubbing, and pressing the body to improve circulation, relieve stress, and reduce pain.
* Mobilization: Mobilization is a hands-on technique that uses gentle movements to free up restricted joints and improve flexibility.
* Manipulation: Manipulation is a form of manual therapy used to correct problems in the spine and other joints.
Exercise therapy
* Aerobic exercise: Exercise therapy involves any activity that increases the heart rate and gets you breathing harder. It can help improve your overall fitness, strength, and flexibility.
* Resistance exercise: Resistance exercise involves using weights or your body weight to build strength. It is important for maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
* Flexibility exercises: Flexibility exercises are designed to improve the range of motion in your joints. They can help reduce pain, stiffness, and the risk of injury.
Other methods of physiotherapy
* Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is based on the ancient Chinese belief that there is a network of energy channels or meridians that run throughout the body. By inserting needles into these meridians, acupuncture aims to restore the flow of energy and relieve pain.
* Cupping: Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves placing cups on the skin and then creating a suction. This suction is thought to help improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote healing.
* Dry needling: Dry needling is a form of acupuncture that does not involve the use of needles. Instead, a physical therapist uses a blunt needle to stimulate trigger points in the muscles. Trigger points are small knots in the muscles that can cause pain.
* Kinesio taping: Kinesio taping is a type of therapeutic taping that is used to support and stabilize muscles and joints. It is thought to improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote healing.