Physiotherapy (kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy) is one of the methods used to treat and rehabilitate patients with neurological and orthopaedic conditions. Kinesitherapy in Vilnius is carried out at Mano Klinika, which provides complex treatment and rehabilitation for patients after illnesses, injuries and operations. An important part of the non-medical treatment and rehabilitation of patients is the consultation of an orthopaedic traumatologist, a physiotherapist and supervised physiotherapy sessions.
What is physiotherapy?
The term "physiotherapy" literally translates as "movement therapy" and is essentially physical therapy. The repetition of movements specially selected by the doctor helps to restore normal motor activity, correct incorrect motor stereotypes and create correct ones.
Movements activate the motor centres of the brain and spinal cord, which generate the nerve impulses that control motor movements. This helps to gradually restore lost body functions. Regular training improves joint mobility, ligament elasticity and muscle strength.
Kinesiotherapy is often combined with medication, manual therapy and various physiotherapy techniques.
Benefits of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has many advantages as a method of treatment and rehabilitation through movement:
- Safe and suitable for patients of all ages.
- Helps improve circulation, muscle tone and restore joint function.
- It has a complex effect on the body, affecting not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems of the body, helping to improve metabolism, increase general tone and activate all vital functions.
- Helps relieve pain syndromes, improve vestibular function and mobility.
- Effective prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and recovery from injuries.
- Functional recovery is gradual, natural and without aggressive intervention.
- It has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state by stimulating the production of endorphins, reducing stress levels and helping patients overcome anxiety.
Each Mano Klinika physiotherapy programme is individually tailored to the patient's specific condition and needs. The treatment process is tailored to the patient's body characteristics to the maximum extent possible, making the treatment as effective as possible.
Types of physiotherapy
Different types of physiotherapy can be used depending on the patient's condition and the goals of treatment:
- Passive physiotherapy.
It is used when a patient is unable to move independently due to an injury, surgery or serious condition. A doctor or rehabilitation therapist helps with exercises that activate joints and muscles, improve blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy.
- Active physiotherapy.
The patient performs the exercises independently under the supervision of a specialist. The aim of active physiotherapy is to improve muscle mobility, strength and endurance. It is the main method of recovery from injuries, operations or diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.
- Post-isometric relaxation (PIR).
This method is based on alternating muscle tension and relaxation. PIR is used to restore muscle tone, improve joint mobility and eliminate pain syndromes. It is often used to treat muscle spasms and hypertonus.
- Dynamic physiotherapy.
Include active exercises, gradually increasing the workload. It is used to improve coordination of movements, strength and endurance. This type of physiotherapy is often used in sports rehabilitation or after prolonged immobilisation.
- Reflex kinesiotherapy.
It is based on the activation of reflex mechanisms. This type of physiotherapy is used to stimulate the nervous system and improve motor skills. It is used for central nervous system disorders such as stroke or cerebral palsy.
- Aquakinesitherapy (hydrokinesitherapy).
This method is based on exercises in water. Aquakinesitherapy reduces joint strain, helps develop muscle strength and improves coordination of movements. It is effective for patients suffering from arthritis, spinal injuries or joint surgery.
- Decompression physiotherapy.
Exercises are performed under conditions of reduced stress on the spine or joints. This treatment is particularly useful for patients with intervertebral hernias, osteochondrosis or joint problems.