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The
Work
The work done by physiotherapists involves helping those who have been incapacitated by accidents, illness or birth defects, to regain normal bodily functions as soon as possible. For this, they are required to have detailed knowledge of the way the bones, muscles and nerves move.
This is essential for assessing and evaluating the problems of the patients. Physiotherapists work, not for the injured alone, but for a whole range of people, including small children, polio patients,
athletes, industrial workers and elderly people suffering from ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.
Major Tasks Performed
PHYSICAL EXERCISES AND THERAPY
Various ailments including arthritis,
spondylosis, neurological disorders and heart diseases are treated through exercise and therapy. The paralyzed and handicapped patients are taught to perform basic physical exercises to encourage the movement of their limbs and other organs. Several physical exercises are also taught to the patients.
Therapy is done in the form of heat radiation, electric and water therapy, diathermy, massages to cure weak muscles, tractions, and other such processes. For instance, heart and asthmatic patients are made to undertake breathing exercises, prenatal and antenatal exercises are conducted, and pregnant women are made to perform specific physical exercises.
EXAMINING PATIENTS PRIOR TO TREATMENT
Physicians usually consult physiotherapists before they begin to treat patients for whom physiotherapy is required. They may also conduct muscle and nerve tests, so as to determine the degree of incapacity of the patients.
TREATMENT OF CONVALESCENTS
It 15 the responsibility of the physiotherapist to restore a patient to his/her optimal body functions after the surgery. Convalescents are treated as part of a follow-up
programme, with a view to rehabilitate them.
Areas of Specialization
The areas of specialization in physiotherapy are increasing, including sports medicine, cardiac therapy, pediatric and geriatric physiotherapy.
In the area of sports medicine, problems arising out of strenuous activity are treated, and exercises are conducted for controlling the stress on the heart and to enable patients with heart disease to cope with their limitations.
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