Perks of physiotherapy

Physical Therapy more commonly known as Physiotherapy is a form of therapy administered for pain alleviation and for rehabilitation purposes. Physiotherapy is administered at a number of medical centers and hospitals across the country, but the general notion is that physiotherapy is required or administered only in severe cases of pain or rehabilitation; the idea that physiotherapy can be used as a preventive measure for many muscular and orthopedic issues is relatively new.

“Mechanical pain cannot be cured permanently through medicine; medicine will provide some relief but, that is only temporary. In order to permanently get rid of it, physiotherapy is necessary. Physiotherapy builds muscle power which no medicine can do; it can only be done through therapeutic exercise” says Dr. Pradip Kumar Saha.

Dr Saha adds, “While physiotherapy is strongly necessary for gaining back the ability to move, after major surgeries like hip replacement or knee replacement surgery which is its curative aspect, very few people know that those who are at potential risk of developing osteoporosis can prevent it substantially by having physiotherapy administered”.

The problem lies in the fact that there is very little awareness about the fact that physiotherapy can be used as a preventive measure for injuries or some diseases opines Dr Saha. “For instance, those who play sports like football or cricket as a hobby could reduce injuries extensively if they consulted with a physiotherapist from time to time,” she adds.

People here are yet to get comfortable with the fact that a simple pain in the hip or neck can be solved through physiotherapy. “Lying in bed for simple hip or neck pain won't solve it, but, people are not aware of the fact that physical therapy can actually help with these small problems. They believe that physiotherapy is for only major issues. Physiotherapy promotes recovery through mobility which is more effective than merely resting”.

While physiotherapy is provided at many places in the city Dr Saha says that not all are administered by certified specialists but rather technicians who have picked up the trade by working under a certified therapist. For proper physiotherapy, one could visit hospitals such as National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Ganoshastho Nagar Hospital in Dhanmondi or at CRP in Savar. Other than that, physiotherapy is also administered at Apollo, Square and United Hospital although it may be a little expensive than the aforementioned ones.

By Karishma Ameen
Special thanks to Dr Pradip Kumar Saha, a Pain and Paralysis Specialist and is an Assisstant Professor at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR).