Proud to be a Physiotherapist

Role of Physiotherapy in Diabetes

  Physiotherapy is an ancient science, which involves physical treatment techniques, such as massage, and the use of electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents – rather than drug therapy – for the management of a condition.

Physiotherapists play an important role in helping people to overcome disability and pain related to orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neurological and rheumatologic illnesses.

Any person with diabetes whose aching legs have experienced relief after a massage, or whose painful feet have been relaxed after a soak in cool water will testify to the importance of physiotherapy in relieving their symptoms.

Preventing diabetes-

The Diabetes Prevention Project demonstrated that lifestyle modification, including intensive exercise, is more effective in preventing diabetes than pharmacological therapy, and highlighted the role of trained professionals in motivating people to follow lifestyle interventions. Similar results have been reported by the Malmö Study, the Da Qing Study, the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and the Wenying Study. Physiotherapists are able to help people, to plan an individualized exercise programme in order to maintain good blood glucose control and achieve optimal weight. Furthermore, physiotherapy leads to metabolic improvements even in the absence of weight loss, reducing the frequency of cardiovascular events and improving life expectancy. Effective exercise counseling ensures both cardio respiratory and musculoskeletal fitness. This helps people with diabetes improve their quality of life, and contributes to overall control of blood glucose. The use of alternative therapies, such as yoga, can contribute to the achievement of optimal cardio-respiratory health.

Physiotherapists can help people to maintain good blood glucose control and achieve optimal weight. Physiotherapists, with their knowledge of physiology and anatomy, can suggest specific exercises for people with coexisting complications, cautioning against certain movements that might be detrimental to their health. For example, an isotonic exercise like jogging will benefit a person with high blood pressure and diabetes, but the repeated foot trauma associated with jogging may harm someone with peripheral sensory neuropathy or Charcot foot.

Beyond exercise counseling-

Most people with diabetes suffer from musculoskeletal complications, which might include frozen shoulder, back pain or osteoarthritis. Many people with poorly managed type 1 diabetes develop a syndrome of limited joint mobility. Diabetic amyotrophy is a type of neuropathy that involves muscle wasting and weakening, especially in the thighs. Carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica are other neurological conditions that are commonly suffered by people with diabetes. In all these conditions, physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in returning people to normal levels of health and wellbeing. The physiotherapist uses a combination of active and passive exercises, and mechanical and electrical aids to

improve musculoskeletal and neurological functions.

Pain relief-

Physiotherapy offers various effective non-pharmacological approaches for pain relief. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves electrical nerve stimulation through the skin, sending a painless current to specific nerves. The mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain.

Interferential therapy (IFT) uses the strong physiological effects of low frequency electrical stimulation of nerves.

TENS and IFT are considered gold-standard therapies for the relief of neuropathic pain, and have proven benefits in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy, edema (build-up of fluid in tissue) and resistant foot ulcers. TENS has been shown to be most effective against burning and stabbing pain, but comparatively less efficient for the relief of painfully sensitive skin and restless legs syndrome. Other modalities, such as ultrasonic therapy and hot wax, are useful for specific conditions in both people with diabetes and people without the condition. In spite of the benefits – safety, lack of drug interactions, efficacy, cost – associated with these methods, few centers’ have adopted TENS/IFT as primary treatments for painful neuropathy. Perhaps this underscores the need to create specialized diabetes physiotherapy units, staffed by qualified physiotherapists specializing in the care of

people with diabetes.

Physiotherapy can play an important role in preventing and managing foot problems.

Improving feet-

Physiotherapy centers’ can play an important role in preventing and managing foot problems. Teaching the importance of correct gait and posture, along with the basic principles of off-loading when required, can prevent or stabilize a number of foot complications. In people with tropic ulcers, for example, which are typical in people with diabetes-related foot problems, the effective use of crutches or foot splints can ensure off-loading and early healing. In people who are unfortunate enough to undergo an amputation, the physiotherapist helps with post-operative pain relief, rehabilitation, limitation of disability, and the optimum use of prostheses. Similar rehabilitative measures, exercises and therapeutic aids are available for people who are recovering from heart attack, stroke, peripheral

vascular surgery, or other traumas or surgical interventions.

Wider benefits-

Physiotherapeutic interventions, usually delivered on a one-to-one basis are patient-centered, in line with the contemporary approach that all providers of chronic medical care, including endocrinologists, try to provide to people in their care. The time spent with the physiotherapist during the course of treatment can strengthen patient provider bonding and enhance communication.

As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise, and as the existing diabetes population ages, the need for efficient physiotherapy services will continue to grow. Including specialized physiotherapists as equal members of the diabetes care team will help us to utilize their services effectively in order to improve the health and well-being of all people with diabetes.

Physiotherapist Vacancy in London, UK

Position:Physiotherapist

Employer:Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Department:Medicine

Location:Physiotherapy QEH, London.

Salary:£24,836 to £32,086 PA Inclusive of HCA

For further details contact:

Victoria Hampshire MSK Out-patient Physiotherapy team lead QEH – 020 8836 6060
or
Email- victoria.hampshire@nhs.net

Effectiveness of Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise in Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Here is a Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Effectiveness of Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise in Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

You can check the full research here-

http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=713255

Rehabilitation After Hallux Valgus Surgery: Importance of Physical Therapy to Restore Weight Bearing

Postoperative physical therapy and gait training lead to improved function and weight bearing of the first ray after hallux valgus surgery.

Here is the full access to the study-

http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/89/9/934.short

5 Reasons Why Physiotherapy Needs to be Part of Your Fitness and Health Plans

When you hear the words “physiotherapy” do you conjure up images in your mind of people walking with walkers? Do you think physical therapy is only for people who have had surgery? There is  misconception that physical therapy is only necessary as treatment for injuries or post-surgery rehabilitation.

Here are five scenarios where a physical therapist can help you stay healthy to reach your long term fitness and lifestyle goals.

1. You have a nagging problem that gets your attention only during training sessions. You may be fine doing all of your normal activities; but, every time you get into your workout, you get that same nagging discomfort. Don’t wait! Early access to physical therapy leads to better outcomes.

2. You are looking to buy a new pair of running shoes, but you aren’t sure which type to purchase. We can take a look at you to determine what type of shoe may be best. We will look at your current shoes for wear patterns and assess your gait to determine if poor technique may lead to injury. We will make recommendations based on your overall joint structure and your goals.

3. You are looking for an overall conditioning program. As physical therapists, we are highly trained to assess your current level of function and then develop a program to help you achieve your goals. These goals may be speed, strength or stability related. We are experts at developing exercise programs for you to carry out at your gym or home. Physical therapists are your best resource for wellness programs whether you are a new mom looking to get back into the triathlon scene or a grandparent who wants to kick the soccer ball around with your grandchildren.

4. You have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, lupus or diabetes which may complicate your body’s response to training. Physical therapists have extensive knowledge of neurological, general health and orthopedic conditions. We can make recommendations to help you stay active while preventing injury. We can also provide manual therapy to inflamed joints to prevent loss of range of motion and provide education about chronic pain.

5. You sit all day in your job. People who sit at a desk all day tend to have short hip flexor muscles, tight pectoral muscles and weak scapular stabilizing muscles. These imbalances set you up for injury when your training feeds intothe same patterns (swimming freestyle contributes to shortening of the pectoral muscles, hunching over a bike keepsthe hip flexors shortened and the upper back muscles overstretched and weak.) We can also provide ergonomic recommendations for you to alleviate the effects of repetitive strain injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and chronic tension headaches.

Physiotherapy being praised by a legend

Physiotherapy- Even Helped the SUPERMAN !!!

We all grew up knowing him as SUPER MAN..THE SAVIOR...The RESCUER...the ROLE MODEL of every child...Christopher Reeve achieved fame for his portrayal of Superman - the man that was invincible and a national hero for many - as well as starring in many other hit films.

After being thrown from a horse in 1995, however, the actor shattered the first two vertebrae in his spine and was paralyzed from the neck down. Upon first finding out he was a quadriplegic; Reeve stated he was very depressed and contemplated suicide.

However, his time in physical and occupational rehabilitation inspired him, and he spent the rest of his life campaigning on behalf of progressive research and was even named TIME Person of the Year. Although he has since passed away from medical complications in 2004, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation still carries on his legacy of advocacy and research. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people.

Importance of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy- One of the Most Satisfying Jobs

Importance of Physio.

A Physio. doesn't just treat a player, he/she takes care of whole nation's pride......

Physiotherapy- An Art

Significant new guidance on physical therapists' responsibilities in emergency zones

What are the responsibilities of physical therapists involved in emergency zones? New plain-language guidance from the International Committee of the Red Cross sets out the rights and responsibilities of health personnel in conflict and other situations of danger. It has been welcomed by physical therapists who specialise in this area.

The document deals with some of the issues that arise when providing health care to people who are wounded or sick as a result of having been involved in armed conflicts or other emergencies. It covers the protection of health personnel, the sick and the wounded, standards of practice, the health needs of particularly vulnerable people, health records, imported health care (including military health care), data gathering and health personnel as witnesses to violations of international law, working with the media etc.

According to Pete Skelton, a British physiotherapist who has worked in emergency situations in Haiti, the Middle East and Africa, this is a significant update for physical therapists, because it is framed in the context of humanitarian law and human rights law, taking into consideration the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“There is a move away from ‘medical ethics’ towards ‘health care ethics’ with specific references to physiotherapists and rehabilitation,” he says.

Of particular relevance to physical therapists is a section on health care for people with particular vulnerabilities, which outlines the need to address access to health care and rehabilitation for people with disabilities, he says. The report also addresses issues around importing health care, which have relevance for physical therapists when considering the provision of locally appropriate wheelchairs or prosthetics.

“It also addresses an issue which frequently proves challenging for physiotherapists during emergencies – the responsibility of all health professionals to keep accurate records,” says Pete Skelton. “Time and again rehabilitation in conflict and emergencies can be hindered either by a lack of appropriate medical records or by physiotherapists themselves failing to document interventions appropriately due to time constraints. Emphasising our responsibility to maintain appropriate records, even in an emergency, is invaluable.”

Barbara Rau, who is responsible for Physiotherapy within the physical rehabilitation department of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said physical therapists should use such guidelines, and those published by organisations such as WCPT, the World Health Organization and Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), and periodically review their performance to guarantee optimal quality of care.

“Physical therapists and other health care professionals have important responsibilities in emergency situations while giving special attention to women, children, elderly people and people with disabilities – indeed, they are experts for these specific populations,” she said.

“They are delivering services within a team of health professionals whose structure and organisation might be more challenging than the usual hospital or rehabilitation-based interdisciplinary team.”

“In providing effective and impartial health care, physical therapists have rights (based on humanitarian rights law) and responsibilities, the first one being to look after oneself. Other responsibilities are that they offer, given constraints and if security is provided, an appropriate standard of care – meaning that they use adequate material and technology, and apply professional knowledge and expertise within a relationship of trust.”

WCPT provides a range of resources and guidance for physical therapists working in disaster zones or emergency situations.

“Physical therapists working or interested in working in disaster zones should be aware of WCPT policy statements that apply to practice in emergency response situations, such as those on disaster management, ethical responsibilities, patients’/clients’ rights and the consequences of armed violence, landmines and other weapons of war,” said Catherine Sykes, WCPT’s Professional Policy Consultant.

With ref. from- WCPT.