Physiotherapy or Physical therapy is a health care profession primarily dealing with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention or assessment. OR, simply
Physiotherapy Is the health clinical science dealing with treatment of pain, disease or injury by physical means.
Physical therapist or Physiotherapist (PT) works with patients whose movements may be undermined by aging, disease, environmental factors or sporting hazards.
A physiotherapist seeks to identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential through prevention, intervention (treatment), promotion, habilitation, and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation means making somebody fit or capable of doing something they can no longer do properly or at all, but used to be able to, i.e. restoring ability or abilities.
Promotion means the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.
Physiotherapist deals with treating physical problems linked to different systems in the human body including:-
· Neuromuscular systems - concerned with both nerves and muscles.
· Musculoskeletal systems – an organ system that gives us the ability to move using our muscles and bones (Muscular and skeletal systems)
· Cardiovascular systems – include the heart and the...
circulatory systems.
· Respiratory systems - include organs that are involved in breathing such as lungs, bronchi, trachea, larynx, throat and nose.
Posture awareness in activity of daily living:
Posture is defined as the manner in which the body is held upright against gravity as it's sitting down, lying down or standing up. Good posture may require a bit of training, with the goal of having the least amount of strain placed on the muscles and ligaments as possible.
Incorrect posture places stress on your joints, muscles, bones, nerves and tendons. It forces your body's muscular system to adapt to improper alignment. Correcting your posture requires effort, practice and different exercises that help your body return to its proper standing and sitting positions. Learning about the different effects and consequences of poor posture may provide you with the motivation necessary to making postural changes.
Benefits of Proper Posture
While contributing to a good appearance, good posture may prevent backaches and muscular pain. With proper posture, the body requires less energy to uphold itself, which may prevent fatigue. Proper posture decreases the stress on ligaments and protects the spine from being bent into abnormal positions. In addition, proper posture may help prevent arthritis; it helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces.
Causes of Poor Posture
Habits such as carrying a heavy purse or bag over one shoulder is one way that poor posture can develop. Overloaded backpacks are another, as well as sitting the wrong way at a desk over time. Physical conditions that may contribute to poor posture include obesity and degenerative spine disorders. Poor posture can also be rooted in psychological issues such as low self-esteem.
How can a physical therapist(PT) help?
Physical therapists (PT) may help in modifying work stations to increase efficiency and prevent or relieve pain. Additionally, if you are experiencing pain that isn't relieved by modifications to your work station, you should see a physical therapist who can develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain, improve your mobility and advice about your posture.
For more information don’t hesitate to contact us Physiotherapy Unit, ext: 6518 at Bulyanhulu Health Centre in VCT new building.
Sylvanus S. Tumaini/Physiotherapist/African Barrick Gold (Pty)/Phone:+255(22) 2600 508 Ext: 6518/Mobile: +255 784 / 67 - 293 551/Fax: +255(22) 2600 221/Address: Bulyanhulu Gold Mine,African Barrick Gold, P.O.Box 1081,Dar es Salaam,Tanzania/Email: STumaini@africanbarrickgold.com.
