Electrotherapy

Physiotherapists use electrotherapy to treat disorders relating to the muscles and/or bone

Some of the main electrotherapy methods are listed below:

• Shortwave diathermy - produces an electromagnetic field which generates heat within tissues. This helps healing, reduces swelling and offers pain relief. It is useful for treating soft tissue injuries, slow healing wounds, sinusitis and conditions affecting the pelvic area.

• Ultrasound - involves using high frequency sound waves to treat injuries to muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. It is thought to stimulate blood circulation and cell activity, accelerating the healing process and providing pain relief.

• Laser - is used to produce a concentrated beam of light radiation. Treatment stimulates tissue healing and reduces pain, inflammation and swelling. It is often used for skin conditions and soft tissue injuries and to heal open wounds.

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) - produces pain relief by blocking pain messages to the brain.

Fractures

A fracture is a break in the bone, which is either complete or partial. Most fractures are caused by a sudden injury that puts more pressure on the bone than it can withstand

Areas of the body where fractures most often occur include the hand, wrist, ankle, collarbone and the neck of the femur of the hip, which can be the result of a fall.

Physiotherapy is used once the bone has been realigned and splinted, usually by encasing it in plaster of paris. The physiotherapist may offer advice about positioning of the limb as well as teaching exercises to avoid muscles wasting and to prevent stiff joints. They will also help the person to get used to crutches and other appliances

After the plaster is removed, the physiotherapist plans a rehabilitation programme taking into account the person's needs and lifestyle. Using techniques including specific exercises and general fitness programmes, the aim is to reduce any swelling, regain full muscle power and joint movement and to bring back full function.

Gait

Gait, or walking pattern, is a complex activity involving most parts of the body. Our gait varies according to our individual anatomy, our age and whether the walking is fast or slow

Physiotherapy is used to help a person learn how to walk again following a disease or injury, or to keep them mobile if they have irreversible problems affecting their walking pattern.

Pain, muscle weakness, joint stiffness and nervous system diseases can result in abnormal gait patterns. The physiotherapist also works with children with walking difficulties, such as those with cerebral palsy. After assessing a person's gait, the physiotherapist plans an individually tailored rehabilitation programme which may include activities to strengthen muscles, increase range of movement and relieve pain as well as providing walking re-education. They also show the person how to use appropriate walking aids such as crutches and walking frames.

Heart disease

The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, accounting for a third of all deaths between the age of 45 and 64. It occurs where the heart is damaged by the narrowing or blocking coronary arteries which supply the blood to the heart muscle. Insufficient blood reaches the heart leading to chest pain (angina pectoris) and heart attacks. The narrowing of arteries is caused by patches of cholesterol rich fatty deposits and by blood clots forming on these patches. Smoking, unhealthy diet, high blood pressure and lack of exercise all contribute to heart disease. Physiotherapists, working as a part of a team, develop a treatment programme, taking into account the person's age, lifestyle, previous history and severity of the disease Rehabilitation after a heart attack may take several months or more. The physiotherapist will teach relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and exercises to gradually strengthen leg and trunk muscles. Gradually, gentle activity such as walking is introduced. Outpatient rehabilitation may include a group activity with fellow patients in a gym. Throughout the programme the physiotherapist aims to rebuild the person's confidence, to improve exercise tolerance and to teach them to recognise signs and symptoms of excess exercise