Physiotherapy (KG)

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a form of exercise therapy in which restrictions on the body’s ability to move and function are treated actively or passively. Depending on the cause of the problem, physiotherapy can accelerate the healing process after an operation, as an accompaniment to drug therapy or even as an alternative to it. Physiotherapy is one of the medically prescribed remedies and may only be performed by a physiotherapist.

How does physiotherapy work?

The aim of physiotherapy is to improve existing limitations in the ability to move and function. Targeted active and passive exercises relieve pain and maintain or improve mobility, coordination, strength and endurance. In addition, the movement promotes metabolism and blood circulation. This supports and accelerates the healing process.

What is done during physiotherapy?

Depending on the objective of the therapy, various movement exercises are used. The most common forms of exercise include:

• passive mobilization
• Muscle training
• Stretching exercises
• relaxation exercises
• breathing exercises
• Passive mobilization

In passive mobilization, the patient does not perform the movement himself. The stimulus for movement comes from outside, for example from the therapist. This allows stiffness, for example, to be released in a particularly gentle manner.

Muscle training

In muscle training, weakened muscles are strengthened through invigorating exercises. This improves mobility, posture and coordination.

Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises do not only target the muscles. Tendons, joint capsules, skin and scars can also be stretched through proper training.

Relaxation exercises

Relaxation exercises help loosen tense muscles. This not only provides instant as well as long-term pain relief, but also prevents reoccurrence of tension. They also help improve mobility, functionality and posture by restoring normalcy.

Breathing exercises

In the case of diseases of the respiratory tract and organs, physiotherapy helps to stimulate breathing. Simply adopting a suitable posture provides relief. Exercises for relaxation and mobilization promote the release of secretions, and the correct coughing technique provides relief.

When to use physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of injuries, complaints and illnesses, also in addition to other forms of therapy. It provides relief and prevention wherever the musculoskeletal system is restricted in its function. The most common problems for which physiotherapy is used include:

• Back pain
• osteoporosis
• rheumatism
• paralysis after stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• multiple sclerosis
• Headache
• Scoliosis
• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Incontinence
• Developmental disorders in children
• after accidents, injuries and operations
• after cancer therapy