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Today, the globe marks World Physiotherapy Day, which celebrates the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community.
It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community.
As the best institution that offers physiotherapy services in Zimbabwe, we celebrate the profession. Not only does the Centre offer the best physiotherapy services, it also trains and works with physiotherapist in various ways for the benefit of the community.
This article seeks to educate and inform the public on physiotherapy and the role played by physiotherapists in safeguarding the health of the community.
One might be wondering who, and how is physiotherapy services provided in Zimbabwe? The answer is not too far off as St Giles is one of the best when it comes to physiotherapy and other rehabilitation services in general.
However, you will find physiotherapy in general hospitals, community health Centres as well as sports teams. Physiotherapy is provided by specially trained and regulated practitioners called physiotherapists.
In Zimbabwe, physiotherapists are trained at the University of Zimbabwe and they are regulated by the Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe.
So what is physiotherapy in general?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines physiotherapy as the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability.
It can improve your physical activity while helping you to prevent further injuries or illness in the future. When it comes to physiotherapy, St Giles takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care as well as other disciplines such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work and psychology services.
Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions that usually affect movement and functions.
According www.nhs.uk some of the health conditions may include problems affecting the:
◆ Bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis and sports injuries
◆ Brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal code injuries, or Parkinson’s disease.
◆ Heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack
◆ Lungs and breathing – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
Furthermore, physiotherapists play a vital role in the health of people whether admitted or out patients. Physiotherapists consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness. Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:
◆ Education and advice – physiotherapists can give general advice about things that can affect your daily lives, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries
◆ Movement, tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body
◆ Manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body
There are other techniques that may sometimes be used, such as exercises carried out in water (hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy).
St Giles does have a state of the art hydrotherapy pool which physiotherapist at the Centre use to carry out exercises for clients with back pain, arthritis among other conditions that benefits more from this service.
Online Reporter