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principles, supplemented when necessary by massage, manipulation, electrotherapy and other physical and supportive measures.
Physiotherapy originated in Scandinavia around the turn of the 20th century as Swedish massage and remedial gymnastics.
It was used in both World Wars to rehabilitate soldiers back to the front line as quickly as possible and treatment of people following epidemics of disease and is now recognised as a tool world wide to rehabilitate and reeducate patients.
Qualifications have developed from diploma courses to four year university degree courses with some physiotherapists wishing to further their studies by enrolling in masters degree programmes or becoming involved in the research that is needed for evidence based practice.
Physiotherapists in Zimbabwe must be registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Council to legally practice.
Most physiotherapists continue their education with postgraduate workshops, courses and lectures and an accreditation package is in the process of being implemented within Zimbabwe to ensure that a physiotherapist fulfils a required number of hours of continuing professional development to validate their practising certificate each year.
They are trained to assess patients and to use their detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to use different modalities to reach full function with the compliance of the patient.
Pathology is backed up by clinical science, detailed analysis, and good problem solving techniques.
They are equipped with good communication skills and follow a logical approach in the assessment and decision making process towards a goal orientated treatment regime, as well as using these skills to keep the patient informed as much as possible.
Usually the first meeting patient begins with the question “what is your problem?” Physiotherapists’ skills are in their hands and in knowing which techniques to use for different patients.
Physiotherapists can treat:
lOrthopaedic conditions and injuries, spinal and peripheral joints, soft tissues and pre and post operative surgical cases
lSports injuries and associated training acquired conditions
lNeurological problems, including strokes, diseases and injuries to the nervous system
lRheumatic and arthritic disorders
lRespiratory conditions
lCardiac and vascular disorders
lBurns and plastic surgical cases
lGynaecological and obstetric conditions, antenatal and postnatal
lGeriatric and paediatric conditions
lDermatological conditions
lIndustrial injuries and prevention
lHeadaches
Modalities used for physiotherapy include exercise, manual techniques, health education, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy. Some physiotherapists are trained to use acupuncture. Treatments have a personal and holistic approach, including hands on work, not only for the psychological benefits, but the latest research into the proprioceptive aspect of the nervous system indicates that tissues recover and rehabilitate with a better result using the human touch. Electrotherapy is usually used as an adjunct to exercise and manual therapy. The patients are encouraged to work with the physiotherapist using a home exercise regimen and feel they are involved in the recovery and effective rehabilitation of their problems.
Physiotherapy either as part of a multi disciplinary approach or alone can satisfy the patient with regard to quality assurance, in these times of justification of value for money for services rendered. It is used to help patients recover from disease and injuries to full function and health and as an alternative to drugs for pain relief and in conjunction with other treatments to assist patients to optimal recovery.
To get a list and addresses of registered physiotherapists contact the secretary of Zimbabwe Physiotherapy Association at [email protected]
Written by CG a physiotherapist (Private Practitioner; Member of Zimbabwe Physiotherapy Association; Physiotherapy Lecturer; E mail address: [email protected])
Online Reporter