If you are suffering from a physical condition or illness and want to improve your quality of life, Hands-on Physiotherapy (HPT) can help. This treatment modality involves a combination of both massage therapy and physical exercise. Physiotherapists and therapists who offer HPT provide a wide range of treatment options, depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of the condition. Hands-on treatment options range from gentle techniques such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser therapy, deep heat therapy and mechanical traction to targeted manipulation of joints. Each of these treatments can be further categorized according to the specific physiotherapy need of the patients.
One of the main purposes of Hands-on Physiotherapy is to decrease pain and increase range of motion. For instance, TENS is a method used during hands-on physiotherapy which uses electric current to reduce pain and swelling. Laser therapy is often used in conjunction with TENS to reduce pain and inflammation. Mechanical traction is often used to correct alignment problems and increase range of motion, and deep heat therapy is sometimes used on its own to improve temperature and assist with the healing process. Hands-on physiotherapy is often very effective for patients with mild to moderate injuries or conditions.
The other purpose of Hands-on Physiotherapy is to develop new skills. As patients relearn how to move their hands and how to do simple tasks such as brushing their teeth, doctors and therapists gain valuable skills in assessment, application of pressure, management of spasms and the use of ultrasound, electric stimulation and other tools. Patients learn how to perform the activities that they may have avoided on account of pain or disability. Hands-on physiotherapy also helps patients to develop balance and motor coordination.
Hands-on physiotherapy is sometimes referred to as Maes Therapy. The origin of the name is from the Greek word which means hand. Hands-on therapy is usually used to treat cerebral palsy, but it can also be used to help patients who are suffering from a host of other conditions such as muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. Patients who are suffering from cerebral palsy can benefit greatly from this type of treatment because it will help them regain the use of their hands. It will allow them to engage in pursuits that they were unable to perform before their condition developed. This can offer them a significant level of independence and can provide them with the abilities of preadolescents.
Because patients with brain lesions can still perform most daily tasks, this form of therapy can also provide important benefits to their caregivers. Caregivers can use this method of physical therapy in order to teach their patients new skills that will help them to perform activities on their own. This can provide a wonderful sense of accomplishment by helping their patients gain the ability to perform tasks on their own. In addition, movement can increase circulation in the arms and legs, which can be beneficial for patients who experience inflammation and pain in these areas. This therapy can also help patients to achieve goals that elude them due to their weakened muscles and joints. This helps them gain the ability to move around safely and participate in activities that are of significant interest to them.
Hands-on physiotherapy offers new ways to treat patients who exhibit symptoms of brain trauma and other diseases. Physiotherapy can offer their patients a number of benefits that include improved muscle strength, improved circulation and balance, development of new movement patterns and increased mobility. If you or someone you know needs help with physical therapy, consider trying this modality to see what you can accomplish.
