By Sally Delacruz


Physiotherapy or physical therapy treatment is the process of remediation of impairments and disabilities on the body. The therapy involves exercising and rehabilitation. The main goal is to restore the functionality of an impaired body part and thereby restore the good health of an individual. The treatment procedure is carried out by professionals called physiotherapists and there are many of them who can perform physical therapy treatment for Vertigo South Hills PA dwellers.

When undergoing physiotherapy, a common term you will come across is modalities. It refers to a way of applying physical agents to the body so as to stimulate a given response. The most common agents used are heat, electricity, cold and lasers. When applied to the body, these modalities cause a number of responses. Some of responses are; increased circulation, improved anti-inflammatory condition and decreased pain.

While treating inflammation and pain, heat is the best modality to be used. Therefore, hot water in packs is rested on the skin surface then heat is transmitted to a depth of about a centimeter beneath the skin. The immediate effect is relaxation of the muscles and increased supply of blood. To increase the depth of penetration, ultrasound technology is employed. The latter can as well be used alone without the heat packs. In such an arrangement, no heat effect is induced, but vibrations are initiated on the muscles and tissue. As a result, muscle extensibility and relaxation occurs.

Ice can as well be used in physiotherapy. When it is used as a modality, the treatment method is called cryotherapy. Cold treatment is good in reducing pain and blood circulation as well. The process entails use of ice parks, gels and ice massage. What happens is that pain is minimized by the reduction of transmissions of nerve impulses from a peripheral nerve to the brain. Also, by reduced blood circulation, swelling is also taken care of.

Electricity can also be used as a modality. Currents are normally passed to the body via electrodes planted on the surface of the skin. However, the transmitted current is a monitored rhythm. During the process, receptors found on the surface of the skin suppress pain originating from the point of injury. In case of surgeries or accidents that cause nerve injury, electricity is as well employed to revive the functioning of the injured nerve.

Most importantly it is good to note that this form of medical remedy is individualized. The methods used for this procedure therefore vary from one person to the other. Majorly the variation is based on the nature of the condition being treated.

The goal of physiotherapy is to restore the functionality of a given body part. However, indirect benefits also exist. The fact that physiotherapy improves circulation of blood, chances of one suffering from heart diseases is reduced. It is a non-invasive form of treatment hence the use of syringes and drugs is absent.

It is imperative to realize that though physical therapy treatment is a good option, the choice of the therapist matters a lot. This will greatly determine the success or failure of this kind of treatment. Conducting enough research before deciding on a particular professional is therefore a plus.




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