1. GET RID OF SUFFERING FROM PAIN TODAY! PHYSIOTHERAPY

2. SYNOPSIS

3. DIET, DISORDERS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW There is a common misconception that physiotherapy is in the same category with less proven ‘alternative medicines’. However, there is now enough evidence to back up the actual health benefits of it, especially when taking into account diet. Because physiotherapy is known to empower the patient and help them take matters into their own hands, professionals should factor in the dietary side as well. Blood flow is of utter importance, as low levels can increase the possibility of developing cardiovascular diseases, or musculoskeletal disorders. Physiotherapeutic exercises can promote an increase in blood flow, and in combination with the right aliments, it has the potential to help the circulation to muscles and develop or expand exercise tolerance. For instance, it has been proven that consuming orange juice daily for four weeks can decrease blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory effects. Beet juice consumption reduced hypertension considerably in just 24 hours. Alongside physiotherapy training, these can stimulate the central nervous system and improve brain function.

4. DIET, DISORDERS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Additionally, doing physical exercise can put a strain on the glucose in the blood, and it becomes increasingly difficult for the body to transport it to the muscles. This becomes especially difficult for people already suffering from diabetes. While exercising can positively impact insulin sensitivity, having the right nutrition to support it adequately is key. This also links to cardiovascular problems and their management or prevention. Physiotherapy can improve cardiac output and have effects on heart rate, endurance, and arterial blood flow. The evidence further demonstrates that to achieve optimal health and lower chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or being obese, one should have an integrated approach: a balanced and appropriate nutrition combined with physiotherapeutic exercise.

5. PHYSIOTHERAPY AND CHIROPRACTIC: DO YOU KNOW THE SIMILARITIES AND DISSIMILARITIES? The difference lies in technique and approach Chiropractors focus mainly on manipulating the spine and mobilizing joints through a technique called adjustment. Physiotherapists tend to work the soft tissues, such as muscles or tendons, to enable mobility and promote overall wellbeing. Physiotherapy has been used to treat similar conditions as chiropractic has. However, it has an advantage: while chiropractic usually deals with spinal conditions and pains and it enables the body’s inner pharmacy to react and start the healing process, physiotherapy can have a comprehensive approach for the patient’s whole body. Both have been around for thousands of years Physiotherapy is considered to have been established by The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates himself in the year 460. He introduced the idea of manually manipulating the body to achieve pain relief and boost health.

6. PHYSIOTHERAPY AND CHIROPRACTIC: DO YOU KNOW THE SIMILARITIES AND DISSIMILARITIES? This paved the way for a new medical practice to be born, but it was only in the 19th century when its benefits were recognized. Even though chiropractic techniques have been used in Chinese medicine in the early days, it was only after Daniel David Palmer developed it in 1895 that is started becoming more and more popular. People all over the world got excited and curious about what this new art of healing could potentially mean for them. Both are effective in treating back pain, and are cost- efficient According to recent researches, patients who choose to see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for their health issues saved 50% on their initial treatment costs, and experienced a reduction of 72% in costs within the first year.This can also have a great impact on healthcare system spending as more referrals to physiotherapists and chiropractors can take the pressure off GPs and can results in less hospitalization days.

7. IS YOUR CHILD SUFFERING FROM CEREBRAL PALSY? PHYSIOTHERAPY MIGHT BE YOUR ANSWER A less expensive and non-invasive, but often overlooked option is physiotherapy. Since every patient is unique in how they are experiencing conditions, a physiotherapist will work to create customized objectives. For example, some babies may have postural problems leading them to hold their shoulders up, next to their ears. To correct this, gentle stroking and repetitively applying pressure down on their shoulders can help them achieve a better posture. Other techniques can be aimed at genetic or neuromuscular conditions and chronic disorders. Physiotherapy can play a key role in promoting adequate positions and body movement patterns, improve developmental skills and muscle function, alleviate pain and help overcome challenges. Among the most common trainings, we can count ball exercising to boost strength and crawling, kneading and stretching, head control and compression exercises, or techniques to improve flexibility and balance throughout the body. Paediatric physiotherapy is a fundamental service in managing developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. It can also play an important role in diagnosing and identifying disorders through assessments. These assessments should be done regularly as they are relevant to the overall management. The majority of children will visit a physiotherapist every 6 to 12 months depending on how severe the condition is, or if sudden changes occur.

8. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING FROM VERTIGO, BUT ARE WE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN? Currently, the physiotherapy industry in Canada is valued at around $3bn and it has seen a growth of 2.9% in the past 5 years. While it is widely known to have positive effects in pain- related conditions, and rehabilitation, physiotherapy can be of crucial importance in the treatment and management of vertigo. An Asian study involving 12 trials and 758 patients aged between 18 and 70 years old has demonstrated that physiotherapy has been more effective in alleviating vertigo than the sham treatment, or the Epley treatment – the standard technique used for dizziness. Importantly to note here is that the standard care for vertigo involves repositioning maneuvers, which cannot be tolerated by people suffering from cervical spine problems. This limits treatment options and it forces them to either having to bear through the symptom, or seek alternatives that might be dangerous or unsuitable for them.

9. HAVE YOU HEARD OF WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY? SEE HOW IT CAN HELP In spite of studies having been conducted since as early as 1948 around the effects of physiotherapy in patients suffering from PFD, there is still a need for awareness. With many of its applications and effects still undiscovered, this therapy shows great potential. For instance, one study shows that the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise is highly dependent on the frequency of the exercise and its intensity. It also pointed out that by doing 15 contractions of 2 to 4 seconds, 3 times a day for 8 weeks, women with PFD experienced a great reduction in urinary incontinence related symptoms. An article published in 2016 in the scientific publication Urology News starts by stating that physiotherapy should be used as a first-line treatment option for women with pelvic organ collapse and urinary incontinence, with data to back that statement up. Similarly to previous study, evidence showed that adherence is of utter importance in reaching goals. Another important aspect to note here is the emotional burden that comes alongside the condition. It has been proven that a women’s emotional well-being is directly linked to a PFD. With many suffering from depression, anxiety and social isolation, it is not difficult to imagine how much of an impact this has on their quality of life.

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