Physiotherapy seeks to rectify movement dysfunction, promote optimal health and improve functions of the human body. It is recommended for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged, sportsmen, and for those suffering from arthritis and neurological disorders. Physiotherapy is a preventive and remedial procedure and is used as a supplement along with oral medicines. Heat radiation, water therapy, massages, diathermy and traction are some of the procedures involved in physiotherapy.

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• What do I have to do?

Physiotherapists are healers and psychoanalysts rolled into one. They advise a person on the correct posture to be maintained while eating, sleeping or working. For those with special needs — like a wheelchair-bound person — they help design the house / workplace so that the person can be self-dependent and do his own work. As a psychoanalyst, the physiotherapist ensures that the patient’s initial despair is gradually replaced with hope.

Physiotherapists have to deal with a variety of cases, ranging from postural problems to paralysis, cerebral palsy in children, muscle and joint pain, nerve injuries, post-accident trauma, post-burn complications, pre and postnatal conditions and breathing problems. They also advise the aged on how to prevent injuries and chest complications, helping them to ease movement and increase functional capacity.

In the world of sports, hamstring, shoulder, wrist, back, knee or ankle injuries and sprains regularly require a physiotherapist’s attention. Besides relieving pain, a physiotherapist devises strategies to avoid injuries and helps in protecting the joints and soft tissues by correcting the posture.

Traction units, exercise chairs, tilt tables, quadriceps benches, hand and arm exercise units, wheeling and walking aids are some of the equipment used by physiotherapists. These are designed to meet the individual and collective needs of patients.

Physiotherapy mainly comprises exercise and electrotherapy. Using the knowledge of biomechanics and the skills of exercise therapy, the therapist formulates the exercise regimen. In electrotherapy, an electric current is modulated at different frequencies for beneficial effects. Heat therapy using wax baths, hot packs and short-wave or microwave diathermy is also practised by therapists. Interferential therapy, ultrasonic therapy and laser are used for pains and muscle spasms. Other useful techniques include traction and ice therapy.

• What should I study?

You need to pass Plus Two to be eligible for a degree in physiotherapy. A minimum of 50 per cent is required in physics, chemistry, biology and English. After a bachelors in physiotherapy (BPT), you can pursue a masters degree. Anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, psychology, medical and surgical conditions, biomechanics, kinesiology, disability prevention and rehabilitation are some of the areas covered in the course. The course includes an internship period where students work under the supervision of professionals at various hospitals and institutes.

• What next?

Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation departments and municipal corporations employ physiotherapists. They can also have a private practice catering to the needs of individuals.

Physiotherapists can also find opportunities in schools for the mentally challenged and physically disabled children as well as defence medical establishments. They can opt for teaching or set up their own clinics after gaining some experience.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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