The term physiotherapy is derived from the Greek words: fysis – nature and therapeia – treatment, i.e. naturopathy. Both natural factors are used – climate therapy, balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, and preformed factors – electrotherapy, ultrasound, laser therapy, and others.
Often, when it is impossible to administer some medications orally or intravenously, they can be administered locally in the problem area through various physiotherapeutic methods. An example is patients with stomach ulcers and periarthritis of the shoulder joint. In these cases, the systemic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is contraindicated, because there is a risk of aggravating the other disease – the ulcer. In these cases, under the influence of ultrasound, the medicine can be applied locally in the shoulder area.
Medicines are most often dosed per kilogram of body weight. In contrast, physiotherapy procedures take into account the body’s reactivity and tolerance. It is necessary to reach the lower limit of irritation for an effect to be present.
In addition to local, at the site of the problem, physiotherapy procedures can also be carried out by impacting the skin area reflexively connected to the affected internal organ. Essential importance is attached to the cervical segment, as it innervates important areas – cervical, upper, and lower thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal (tail).
The segmental-reflex application of physical factors is a preferred method because, with a much smaller dosage of the factor, much more effective action is achieved in diseases of the internal organs.
Another type of impact is general – on the whole organism. A non-specific influence on the body’s resistance forces is sought. Immune forces increase, as well as stimulation of recovery processes.
The methodology for combining physical factors with acupuncture points – electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, including the use of a magnetic field and infrared waves – is becoming more and more common. In this way, minimal doses of the physical factor are used.
An important principle for optimizing physiotherapeutic effects is the application of impulse therapy. The reason is that the body quickly adapts to constant impacts.
The modern approach to creating a physiotherapy program foresees the impact of several physical factors. Procedures can be combined simultaneously or sequentially one after the other. The selection of several factors must be well justified and not lead to overloading the body.
An example of combining procedures with opposite action is the sauna and contrast showers with cold water. The goal is the training of the vascular system – “gymnastics of the vascular wall”, as well as the activation of nervous mechanisms.
An example of a synergistic-potentiating action is the combination of massage with physical therapy. Through the massage, the structures – muscles, ligaments, and joints are relaxed and in this way, the subsequent movements during the performance of the complex of exercises are facilitated.
Some factors sensitize tissues, thus making them more sensitive to the next factor that is applied. An example is the pre-irradiation of an area with infrared light, which makes it more susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet rays. This makes it possible to reduce the dose of ultraviolet rays and, accordingly, the possible manifestation of side effects.
It is important to determine the functional state of the organs and/or systems that will be affected before starting the procedures. In one day, it is not appropriate to carry out procedures with a general effect – for example, a common bath or an electric bath. When combining two procedures, the local one is done first, and then the general one.
In addition, incompatible procedures are not carried out – cold and heat treatment in one day. The application of two opposite procedures consecutively is practiced only if the goal is to terminate the action of the previous procedure – for example, after a common bath-cold shower.
The material is informative and cannot replace consultation with a doctor. Before starting treatment, you must consult a doctor.
