Key Concepts Regarding Physical Therapy Wilmington Residents May Find Worthwhile

By Harold Powell


Physical therapy, PT, is important in relaxing muscles that have been affected by disease. It helps in easing pain and keeping a person in good shape. A number of acute and chronic illnesses impair the function of the musculoskeletal system, hence the need for therapy. Some of these acute conditions include injuries during sports, stroke, injuries sustained after delivery and sphincter dysfunction among others. Rehabilitation is crucial for certain conditions such as diabetes and spinal cord injury. There are some facts on physical therapy Wilmington patients need to know even as they consider this mode of treatment.

When you visit the doctor with any condition, however basic it may be, certain steps have to be followed. The first of these steps is the history of your condition. The doctor will ask you a set of questions aimed at characterizing the condition and making a diagnosis. It is important for the patient to be open while giving information as they majorly contribute to the success of treatment.

Physical examination works to assess the stability of the patient and how much damage has occurred. Investigations are also done to the severity of disease and its exact location in the body. Common investigations done include blood tests and radiographic imaging. Most common imaging techniques include x ray, CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).

It is worth noting that physiotherapy goes beyond engaging the patient in physical exercises. As a matter of fact, it incorporates the use of devices to facilitate comfort and normal range of movement at joints in the long run. Examples of such devices include braces, traction kits, walking aids and corsets among others. The therapy also employs the use of cold compresses, heat massage, sound waves and radiation. In addition, it educates individuals on the best way to maintain physical fitness while at home or at work.

There are quite a number of specialties in this area. Therapists can train in fields such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, geriatric and electrophysiology physiotherapy among others. Manual therapy is the mainstay of managing many conditions of the pulmonary system. It helps in stimulating the cough reflex and therefore enables the clearance of secretions from the respiratory tract. This is indicated in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.

The elderly population is a special group of people because of the physiological processes they undergo as they age. Most of their tissues tend to atrophy and to gradually lose function. They are commonly affected by illnesses such as osteoporosis, arthritis, urine and fecal incontinence. The treatment facilitates their mobility even in the midst of muscle weakness and atrophy. It also keeps them comfortable and free of painful muscles and joints.

The integumentary specialization dwells on conditions affecting the skin including wounds and burns. Specialists in this field do work that is almost similar to what is done in the emergency room by medical doctors. They help in keeping wounds free from infections. They also manage swelling as occurs in the cause of burns and other forms of injury.

The other important field of specialization is the integumentary which involves the skin. The skin is commonly affected by traumatic wounds and burns. Physiotherapists in this area work to relieve the patient from pain, swelling and infection. This is typically done through the use of dressings, topical medication and splinting among others.




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