TECHNIQUES USED IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

There are certain conditions that Percussions and Vibrations shouldn’t be used on or they will cause more damage.  Your therapist will know these conditions and will do a full assessment before using these techniques.  There are other ways to aid the phlegm removal.  They also have techniques which help in the following:

       Increase the amount of air in which goes into your lungs

       Increase the amount of air in which goes out of your lungs

       Increase the effectiveness of your cough

Percussions --- Percussions loosen phlegm in your lungs which makes it easier for you to have a productive Cough.  The Physiotherapist will apply force to your chest using their hands by striking the chest with cupped hands at

                            different speeds.  The length of time for each compression depends on what type of injury or lung disease you have.  This will be done in various different positions Percussions are movements which will enable the

                            phlegm to break loose.

Vibrations --- Vibrations accomplishes the same as percussions, by loosening the phlegm.  This technique involves compressions of the chest at the same time you are breathing out.  Vibrations will allow the phlegm to move up and

                          out of the smaller air passages.  Depending on the type of injury or disease you have the length of time will vary. 

Some other types of techniques your therapist may suggest are:

       massage

       passive joint mobilization

       manipulation

       spinal mobilization

       myofascial release

       passive stretching

       hold-relax stretching

       reciprocal inhibition stretching

       proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

       manual resistance training

       therapeutic ultrasound

       transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

       interferential

       electromyography (EMG)

       laser therapy

       shortwave diathermy

       microwave diathermy

       cryotherapy (ice)

       neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

       infrared radiation

       ultraviolet radiation

       postural retraining

       free active strengthening

       active-assisted strengthening/mobilization

       isometric strengthening

       isotonic strengthening

       resisted strengthening

       passive stretching

       hold-relax stretching

       cardiovascular training

       proprioceptive training

       hydrotherapy --- Hydrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy treatment conducted in a heated pool. Supervised by physiotherapists with specific training in hydrotherapy, clients undertake specifically designed exercises to help regain or enhance their physical wellbeing.

       strengthen muscles

       mobilise joints

       relieve pain

       promote relaxation

       improve general fitness

       develop water confidence

       people with a disability learn to swim

       improve balance and coordination

       people with Parkinson's Disease

                                       Hydrotherapy is usually one component of an overall program. It can offer specific relief to people with: 

       arthritic problems

       back and neck pain

       sports injuries

       work-related injuries

       Cerebral Palsy

                                                    It can also assist those who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, or for women before and after birth and for those recovering from orthopedic surgery