Kinesitherapy

Posted: January 4, 2015 By: Comment: 0

Kinesitherapy means treatment through movement. It is used in the treatment of various disorders – orthopedic, neurological, gynecological, pediatric, and in the treatment of old and elderly people. By means of kinesitherapy, the function of the locomotor and of the nervous system is improved.
Kinesitherapy can be divided in active and passive kinesitheray.

  • Passive kinesitherapy – the exercises are performed with the assistance of the therapist.
  • Active kinesitherapy – the exercises are performed autonomously by the patient.

Kinesitherapy is applied individually according to the patient’s disorder. It is a necessary healing instrument up to the patient’s complete recovery and functional activity in everyday life. The systematic use of physical exercise increases the general resistance of the organism. Through kinesitherapy, it is possible to influence all organs and systems to enhance their functions. The physical activity of the organism is increased and thus its adaptation to the environment improves. Kinesitherapy increases the volume of movement in the joints and restores the muscles. Manual therapy and chiropractic are parts of kinesitherapy. They deal mainly with disorders of the spinal cord and nervous system. Their combination helps for the complete functional recovery of the organism.

Kinesitherapy in neurology is aimed at restoring all physical, sensory and mental capabilities of a person lost as a result of damages of the central nervous system. The tailored kinesitherapy program also includes rendering assistance with the purpose of compensating for certain deficits, which cannot be overcome in medical terms.

Neurological conditions we influence:

  • Stroke;
  • Traumatic injuries to the cerebrum;
  • Plexitis;
  • Radiculitis;
  • Disc herniations;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Parkinson’s disease;
  • Paralysis of the facial nerve.

The early onset of rehabilitation in the diseases listed above leads to faster recovery of the disturbed functions.

Kinesitherapy is a necessity not only for the elderly but also for children and adolescents. Exercise brings blood inflow into the muscles and tissues; it has a positive effect for the height and weight of children; metabolism intensifies; the absorption of minerals and proteins is improved, which in its turn influences bone growth and regeneration. Through kinesitherapy, children quickly develop motor skills and stereotypes. When the exercises are interesting, when they are conducted with emotionality, fatigue comes gradually and children are satisfied.

Disorders we can influence:

  • Rachitis;
  • Spinal deformities;
  • Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest);
  • Pectus excavatum (funnel chest);
  • Equinovarus foot (Club foot);
  • Pes planus (Flat feet);
  • Tumours;
  • Retardation in children’s and adolescents’ development;
  • Infantile cerebral paralysis.

Kinesitherapy in geriatrics is aimed at general impact on the elderly. By means of suitable physical exercise and activity, the aged and elderly people can accomplish better health status.

Disorders we can influence:

  • Arthrotic changes;
  • Pains in the waist;
  • Arthritis.

Kinesitherapy decreases the diseases of old age and enhances life longevity of the elderly people. Therapeutic physical exercise builds correct motor skills and stereotypes. It assists the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system.

Kinesitherapy is widely used in orthopedics and traumatology. Depending on the classification and stage of the disorders, it is applied as an autonomous therapy or in combination with another type of therapy – healing massages and manual therapy. Therapeutic physical exercise is used before and after surgical interventions. The purpose of kinesitherapy is complete recovery of the patients and their return to normal everyday routines.

Disorders we can influence:

  • Sprains, dislocations;
  • Osteoarthritis, arthritis;
  • Pes planus (Flat feet);
  • Shortening of the Achilles tendon;
  • Sports traumas (damaged meniscus, ligaments of specific joints, carpal tunnel syndrome).

Cryotherapy is a method whereby the healing power of low temperature is used. An ice block is used to rub the locality of the damage.

The effects of cryotherapty on the organism include the following:

  • Lowered local temperature;
  • Prevention of the edema formation;
  • Suppression of inflammations;
  • Shrinking of blood vessels;
  • Reduced sensitivity;
  • Reduced pain;
  • Improved blood circulation.

The application of cold therapy immediately after the trauma is especially efficient.

Contraindications:

  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Raynaud’s disorder;
  • Heart damages;
  • Cold allergy;
  • Infectious and suppurative processes.