ULTRASOUND THERAPY
This therapy involves the application of Ultrasound waves above that of the range of human hearing in order to treat various types of injuries. The application of Ultrasound Therapy helps in increasing the blood flow of a localized area in order to reduce the swelling and inflammation in that area. It is also used to enhance the healing of a bone fracture.
It is generally categorized into 2 types:
1. Thermal Ultrasound Therapy
2. Mechanical Ultrasound therapy
INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY (IFT)
IFT which stands for Interferential Therapy is one of the types of electrotherapy used for the management of pain. The principle of interferential therapy is to cause two medium frequency currents of slightly different frequencies to interfere with one another. For example, if circuit A carries a current with a frequency of 4000Hz and Circuit B carries a current with a frequency of 3980 Hz, then the low frequency produced will be 20 Hz and this frequency is very useful in pain modulation. A new low-frequency current known as the beat frequency is equal to the difference in frequencies between the two medium frequency currents produced in the tissues at the point where the two currents cross.
LASER THERAPY
L.A.S.E.R. stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser Therapy involves the application of low-intensity laser light to relieve pain caused due to the damage of soft tissue. It facilitates tissue repair and restores normal cell function. It is used by experts to heal wounds and pain. The level of light is quite low as compared to other forms of Laser Therapy, such as those used to destroy tumors and coagulate tissues.
MANUAL THERAPY
Manual Therapy is a special form of physical therapy delivered with hands. It is a method by which physiotherapists can assess and treat their patients with skilled hand movements.
The basic aim is to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, induce relaxation, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, modulate pain, change muscle function, improve movement patterns, and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction.
Dry Needling Therapy
Dry Needling Therapy is also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling or Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling. It is a process in which thin needles are inserted into the trigger points or tight muscles of the body. It is usually done to treat myofascial pain (Myo means Muscle and Fascia means Tissue that connects muscles). The main purpose is to improve Tissue Healing and Restore Muscle Function. Muscles in our Body sometimes develop knotted areas called Trigger points which are quite sensitive and can be painful when touched. A physiotherapist pushes thin solid needles through the skin into trigger points. These Needles are used to stimulate the tissue and not to inject the medication.
The patient may experience different sensations, muscle soreness, aching, a muscle twitch, etc. when being needled which is considered to be a good sign. The needles may be placed deeply or superficially, for shorter or longer periods depending upon the type of pain being treated.
Wax Therapy
Wax therapy is a form of deep heat therapy one of the most effective ways of applying heat to improve mobility by warming the connective tissues. Wax Therapy, involves the application of molten paraffin wax, to the connecting tissues causing muscle relaxation and improves joint mobility. It is mainly used to treat Painful hands and feet. It is basically used in combination with the common mobilizing techniques and customized exercise programs to achieve better results.
THERMOTHERAPY
Thermotherapy involves the application of Heat. The most common heating agent used in rehabilitation is a hot pack. Hot packs transfer their heat energy to the body by conduction. Superficial heat usually produces temperature elevation in the underlying tissues to a depth of up to 1cm. Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, which decreases the depth of heat. Commercial hot packs are canvas, usually filled with a hydrophilic substance, that is immersed in 1700F (770C), water in a thermostatically controlled heater. The packs can retain heat up to 30 minutes. With superficial heat, local metabolism is increased and local vasodilatation with hyperemia occurs. Initial vasoconstriction is produced in deep tissue layers, followed by vasodilatation. Hot packs also promote muscle relaxation as well as sedation of sensory nerve endings.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic (Greek: Done by hand) is a system of Therapy that focuses upon the diagnosis and treatment of Neuromuscular disorders, while emphasizing on the treatment through Manual adjustment and/or Manipulation of the spine. This Therapy focuses on the structure of the body, particularly the Spine. Chiropractors usually manipulate the body’s alignment to relieve pain, improve function and help the body to heal itself.
While the main focus of the Chiropractic therapy is Spinal Manipulation, it also includes other treatments like Manual or Manipulative Therapies, Postural and Exercise Education, and Ergonomic Training (How to walk, sit, and stand to limit the back strain). Chiropractors can treat pain anywhere in the body: in the Head and Jaws, the Shoulders, the Elbows and wrists, the Hips and Pelvis and the knees and Ankles.
This method is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for Muscles , Joints, Bones and Connective Tissue such as Cartilages, Ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION / TRACTION THERAPY
Spinal Decompression Therapy is the process of Stretching the Spine by the use of a Traction table or some similar motorized device. Basically Traction is the force applied and Spinal Decompression is the result of that force. Traction is basically a gentle or moderate force that is applied to the spine in order to slightly separate the bones or vertebrae of the spine. The basic aim being the relief from Back pain, and promoting an optimal healing environment for Bulging, Degenerating or herniated discs.
A Traction is usually used for Neck, Upper Back, Lower Back(Lumbar Spine) etc.
