Physiotherapy is a branch of healthcare that aims to restore and maximize strength, function, and movement. It is often prescribed after an acute injury in order to help patients return to their normal day-to-day activities. Physiotherapists have a deep understanding of the body’s form and function and are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat symptoms of injury, illness, and disability. Although physiotherapy is largely centered on rehabilitation, it also focuses on the prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness. To best meet the healthcare needs of an individual, physiotherapists often work in collaboration with other medical professionals.

Physiotherapy may be needed for a number of reasons. The primary use of physiotherapy is to restore function to injured limbs or joints. It is also commonly used to relieve pain. Overall, physiotherapy is used to recover from an injury or disease, restore any lost or limited function, improve balance and mobility, and manage health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

There are many different types of physiotherapy exercises, all of which aim to restore form and function to damaged or injured areas of the body. The different types of exercises include:

Stretching — These exercises are done in order to improve flexibility. It is important to align the segments of the body by correcting the deviations in order for these exercises to be effective. To help the muscle relax and minimize its resistance, proper exhalation is essential. The stretching positions are typically maintained for a long time with a small number of repetitions.

Strengthening — Strengthening exercises help to improve strength, power, or endurance. They can be used to address either mobilizing muscles or stabilizers.

Proprioception — A physical sense that often goes unrecognized, proprioception refers to the awareness of the position and movement of the body. These exercises are implemented when there is a decreasing ability to know the body’s position or how the body moves. Examples of proprioception exercises include balancing on one leg and drawing the letters of the alphabet in the air with the damaged or injured limb.

Functional — Often included in rehabilitation, functional exercises are prescribed to re-learn an everyday life movement that becomes impaired after an injury. If necessary, the physiotherapist may ask you to practice a specific movement that you perform at home, at work, or during an activity.

Cardiovascular — These exercises include walking, running, swimming, and biking and are used to regain previous levels of activity.

There are many benefits of physiotherapy, including:

• Reduce or eliminate pain
• Improve mobility
• Avoid surgery
• Improve balance and gait
• Prevent future injuries
• Recover from a stroke
• Recover from a sports injury
• Manage age-related issues
• Manage heart and lung disease
• Manage diabetes and vascular conditions
• Manage women’s health and other conditions

If you or someone you love has sustained an injury that limits their function or mobility, come to Progressive Physical Therapy for physiotherapy today. We can help repair damaged tissues, restore previous levels of function and prevent a number of injuries from occurring in the future. We look forward to serving you! For more information, call us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 15 Spinning Wheel Road Ste. 24 Hinsdale, IL 60521. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Oak Park IL, Lombard IL, Downers Grove IL, Bridgeview IL, and Oak Lawn IL.