Physiotherapy sessions are considered a smart step to restore comfort and movement without the need for medications or even surgery. Physiotherapy sessions combine modern therapeutic techniques and careful assessment to help the body recover in a safe and natural way. If the individual suffers from a sports injury or even suffers from back pain, or post-surgical complications, physical therapy sessions provide a treatment plan that is useful in gradually restoring daily activity. Physiotherapy sessions are considered a comprehensive method for enhancing motor abilities. They are not only for pain relief, but they combine recovery and physical balance. In the following lines we will learn more about

Types of physical therapy sessions and their uses

Physical therapy sessions with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital vary to include many types, each of which aims to treat some specific cases and achieve different results according to the patient’s needs. The most prominent types are as follows:

• Manual therapy is a treatment in which the therapist uses his hands to move soft tissues and joints to relieve pain and improve flexibility. Manual therapy is used in cases of muscle stiffness and chronic pain such as neck pain and back pain.
• Electrotherapy involves using low electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles, such as TENS devices. This type of treatment is used to reduce pain and stimulate muscles after surgery or in cases of partial paralysis.
• Therapeutic exercise therapy, which includes performing exercises directed to improve strength, enhance flexibility, and balance, is used in cases following injuries or surgical operations to gradually rehabilitate the patient.
• Ultrasound therapy relies on sound waves to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to affected tissues, and is used to treat tendon and muscle injuries.
• Cold and heat therapy uses ice or heat to relieve inflammation and improve blood flow, and is recommended in cases of swelling or muscle spasms.
• Hydrotherapy is done in water to reduce the body's pressure on the joints, and is used for arthritis patients or those who suffer from poor movement.

Learn about: Types of muscle physical therapy techniques And how to start it

Health benefits of regular physical therapy

The health benefits of regular physical therapy are multiple and extend to include both physical and psychological aspects, making it an effective option for both prevention and treatment. The most prominent of these benefits are the following:

• Significantly reduce pain resulting from arthritis, herniated disc, or sports injuries without relying on medications.
• It enhances the range of motion of the joints and strengthens the muscles, which helps to perform daily activities easily, especially for the elderly or those who have undergone surgeries.
• Sessional physical therapy helps reduce the likelihood of future injuries, especially in athletes and those working in physically demanding jobs.
• It helps restore normal functions of the body's organs after accidents or after surgeries, such as rehabilitation after cruciate ligament surgery or a broken bone.
• It helps the elderly, as well as patients with neurological problems, improve their stability and avoid accidents, through muscle strengthening and balance exercises.
• Improving the psychological state and reducing anxiety and stress by enhancing the secretion of happiness hormones.

How do you prepare for your first physical therapy session?

There is no doubt that good preparation for physical therapy sessions helps provide a more comfortable experience, and to be able to prepare for the first physical therapy sessions, you can follow the following tips:

• Bring previous medical reports, including the results of x-rays and examinations, along with a list of the medications you are taking, in order to help the physical therapist understand the condition.
• Choose appropriate clothing that is loose and allows freedom of movement. It is important that it is easy to open to facilitate examination of specific areas of the body, such as the knee or shoulder.
• Think about the nature of the pain that you are suffering from, when did the pain begin, what relieves it or what increases it, and how the pain affects your daily life, and you must write down all of these notes to help make the appropriate diagnosis and obtain the most appropriate treatment plan for you according to your condition.
• It is important to get good sleep before undergoing physical therapy sessions, while making sure to eat a light meal to gain energy.
• Arrive shortly before your session, as this will give you the opportunity to relax.
• Physical and psychological preparation for the session helps build a relationship of trust between you and the therapist and thus achieve the best results.

Book your consultation now at Physical therapy At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

The difference between physical therapy and manual therapy

Physical therapy and manual therapy are sometimes confused. Although both are used to improve body functions and relieve pain, there are clear differences, which are as follows:

Physical therapy

It depends on assessing the patient's physical condition as well as developing a treatment plan that includes therapeutic exercises, electrical devices such as TENS, heat therapy and cold therapy, in addition to muscle strengthening and balance exercises, in addition to health education. It should be noted that the goal of physical therapy is to restore movement, strengthen muscles, accelerate recovery after injuries or operations, and prevent complications.

Manual therapy

It is one of the methods of physical therapy, and it focuses on using the therapist's hands to move the joints, massage soft tissues, stimulate specific points in the muscles, and improve blood circulation. Manual therapy is also used to relieve muscle spasms, increase joint flexibility, and treat problems of the spine and fine joints.

Hence, we realize that manual therapy is part of the physical therapy tools, but it focuses on touch and manual techniques only, while physical therapy is more comprehensive as it requires multiple interventions that include devices, exercises, and education. Therefore, it can be said that every manual therapy is physical therapy, but not every physical therapy depends only on manual therapy.

Learn about: Here are the latest physical therapy techniques Its most important medical benefits

When do you need physical therapy sessions?

Physical therapy sessions are necessary in many cases that affect movement, cause pain, or hinder daily activities. Here are the most prominent cases that require resorting to physical therapy:

• After injuries or accidents such as fractures, sprained joints, torn ligaments, or spinal injuries, physical therapy helps restore movement and strengthen the affected muscles.
• Post-operatively, especially orthopedic surgeries such as knee or hip replacements or spine operations, sessions are used to speed up recovery and prevent stiffness or loss of function.
• Chronic pain, such as back, neck, joint, or muscle pain, where sessions contribute to relieving pain and improving physical performance without relying on medications.
• Nervous system disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or facial paralysis, where physical therapy is used to improve balance, movement, and neuromuscular coordination.
• Respiratory or heart problems In certain conditions such as asthma or after heart surgeries, physical therapy is used to improve breathing ability and increase physical endurance.
• Movement problems in children or the elderly to help children overcome delayed motor development or support the elderly with balance and prevent falls.

If you are experiencing difficulty moving, persistent pain, muscle weakness, or want to recover in a healthy way after an injury or operation, it may be time to start physical therapy sessions under the supervision of a specialist.

Frequently asked questions

How much do physical therapy sessions cost?

Prices for physical therapy sessions vary depending on the type and duration of the session, the medical center or clinic providing the service, in addition to the patient’s condition and the required treatment plan. In some centers, there may be discounted treatment packages when booking a number of sessions in advance.

How many physical therapy sessions per week?

The number of weekly sessions depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition, but 2 to 3 sessions per week are often recommended at first, and the frequency can be reduced as the condition gradually improves, according to the therapist’s plan.

Are physical therapy sessions tiring?

Some patients may feel fatigue or slight pain after the session, especially in the early stages. This is normal as a result of stimulating muscles or moving inactive joints, but the treatment is not overly stressful, and is considered safe and comfortable when performed correctly.

The price of a physical therapy session in Saudi Arabia?

The prices of a physical therapy session in Saudi Arabia usually range between 150 to 400 riyals per session, depending on the city, the center, and the experience of the specialist. Some centers also offer discounts for multiple sessions or partial coverage from insurance companies.

Today, prepare for a life free of pain with physical therapy sessions at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital with a specialized team and the latest technologies with an integrated treatment plan. Book your appointment now to begin your recovery journey.

المصادر:

Physical Therapy – clevelandclinic
What Is Physical Therapy? – webmd