DR SWEEZEL DE SOUZA has been a practicing physiotherapist since 2010. In her many years of practice she has noticed that although there is an understanding that physiotherapy or physical therapy is present and active in Goa, the understanding of what physiotherapists can actually do and the scope of what a physiotherapist can do for patients, is highly lacking. Here she tells us about different kinds of physiotherapy with physiotherapists work to bring about healing and recovery in patients with various problems….

WITH changing demographics in Goa in the past few years we have moved away from physical work to occupations and lifestyles that involve more sitting. In addition, the environmental factors influencing our bodies have changed the way we function and the type of problems we develop.
Physiotherapy begins with assessment. This is an evaluation of the person’s pain, strength, flexibility, joint movement and functional abilities. From the evaluation, the physiotherapist gets an understanding of the physical dysfunctions which contribute to the person’s issue and comes up with a possible physical diagnosis. This is different from medical diagnosis — the physical diagnosis helps the physiotherapist come up with a management plan to handle the condition.
The way your condition is managed varies depending on the contributing and causative factors influencing your problem. There are various subcategories or specializations of physiotherapy which target and manage different conditions, as people have evolved so has the profession.

Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic Physiotherapy
Here physiotherapists deal with conditions related to bones, muscles and injuries related to these structures. For example, ankle sprain or frozen shoulder. The therapists will make use of soft tissues techniques, pain relieving modalities, joint mobility techniques and ultimately exercises to reduce pain and help in healing of your injury or issue.

HUMANS NOT CLONES!
IT is the customized exercise program which helps in ultimately getting rid of your problem, by working on strength, correction of the contributing factors, flexibility or other issues identified during evaluation. As much as we would like to just refer to the internet for a general group of exercises which can be performed by anyone, nobody is the same, we are not clones of each other that everyone’s condition is the same, with the same factors affecting the injury or problem.
Therefore, it is best to get a tailor made exercise regime for your specific condition which would work on healing your injury and at the same time preventing recurrence.
These physiotherapists also work on rehabilitating patients following surgery in coordination with orthopaedic surgeons to get patients back on their feet. They utilize strengthening and mobility exercises to help the patient work at pre-surgery levels again, return to their day-to-day routine. Being old and dependent is kind of outdated now as we push the concept of healthy aging.
It is possible to be comfortable and independent even as we age, if we maintain our fitness and handle our problems as they arise. These physiotherapists work with elderly patients, be it to maintain their fitness levels, improve their functional status, correct existing issues or help to handle them.

CARDIO-RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPY
THE pandemic brought this specialization to light as the physios worked tirelessly with mechanically ventilated patients and helped covid patients recover all over the world. These physiotherapists work in ICUs, in hospitals with post-operative cases to reduce hospital stay.
They utilize chest physiotherapy which is a group of techniques used to improve lung function or exercises to improve cardiac function and endurance and patients’ ability to return back home following surgery.

PEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
THESE physiotherapists work with special children utilizing a different set of techniques at various stages in their lives to improve their quality of life or help the children become productive independent adults someday.

SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
THESE are specialized healthcare professionals who help athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, prevent future injuries, and improve their physical performance.
Their expertise is essential in ensuring that athletes can safely pursue their sports and activities while minimizing the impact of injuries on their overall well-being and performance
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NEUROLOGICAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
HERE physiotherapists specialize in helping individuals with neurological conditions or injuries regain their mobility, function and independence. They work with patients who have disorders of the nervous system, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injuries.
The primary responsibilities of neuro-physiotherapists include assessing a patient’s neurological impairments, designing tailored rehabilitation programs, and using techniques such as exercises, balance training, gait training, and neuromuscular re-education to improve their motor skills, coordination, and overall quality of life. They play a vital role in enhancing the physical and functional abilities of individuals affected by neurological conditions, promoting their recovery and helping them lead more fulfilling lives.

CANCER REHABILITATION (ONCOLOGY)
HERE Physiotherapists specialize in improving the physical function and quality of life of individuals living with cancer. They play a vital role in helping patients manage cancer-related symptoms, regain their strength and mobility, and navigate the physical challenges that may arise during their cancer treatment and recovery process.

WOMEN’S HEALTH
WOMEN’S health physiotherapists specialize in addressing the unique musculoskeletal and physical challenges that women may encounter during different life stages. Their interventions promote overall well-being, mobility and quality of life, helping women lead healthier and more active lives.

(Dr Sweezel IA de Souza (PT) is Masters in MSK and sports managing partner and senior physiotherapist at Physiotherapeautics, Panjim. She is also visiting faculty at Goa College of Physiotherapy, Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences.)