Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is a highly specialized therapeutic treatment that plays a crucial role in managing and preventing injuries, disorders, diseases, and age-related conditions. The goal is to restore or maximize a person’s normal mobility, strength, and function through specific physical methods. When conducted properly, physiotherapy can significantly influence the progress and outcome of recovery from injury or disease. It is also essential for maintaining health across all age groups.
At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, physiotherapy is designed to encourage the development and recovery of individuals, helping them stay at work and remain independent for as long as possible.
For patients with arthritis, physiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment process. Our clinic’s experienced physiotherapists are key members of our healthcare team, dedicated to helping you resume and maintain an active and independent life, both at home and work. They are experts in assessing movement and will guide you on how to protect your joints effectively.
Your physiotherapist will
At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, your physiotherapist is committed to providing comprehensive care that includes:
- Offering advice and reassurance.
- Helping you feel confident about managing your condition.
- Addressing any concerns or uncertainties.
- Setting appropriate goals to keep you as active as possible.
Personalized Assessment and Treatment
Your physiotherapist will begin by asking you detailed questions and examining the joint(s) causing you discomfort. This thorough assessment allows them to tailor a treatment plan specifically to your needs.
Treatment Options May Include:
- A customized program of specific exercises.
- General advice on safely increasing your activity level and avoiding exercise-related injuries.
- Pain-relief treatments such as heat or ice packs, massage, manipulation, acupuncture, or taping.
- Providing walking aids or splints to help you stay mobile and independent.
At our clinic, we ensure that your physiotherapy treatment is individualized, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes for your health and mobility.
How can physiotherapy help?
Understanding how arthritis affects you
At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, our physiotherapists are here to help you understand what happens to your joints and muscles when you have arthritis. By gaining a deeper understanding of your arthritis, you’ll be better equipped to manage its effects effectively.
Managing your pain
Arthritis can lead to pain in specific areas of the body or more widespread joint and muscle discomfort. While medications are essential, our physiotherapists can guide you on additional pain relief methods that complement your medication. Some of these treatments can be continued on your own between appointments:
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs to soothe hot, swollen joints.
- Heat Packs: Heat packs are helpful in relaxing tense, tired muscles.
- Splinting: During flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis, splinting swollen or painful joints can be beneficial. Our physiotherapists or occupational therapists may provide temporary splints to assist you.
Pace yourself
Finding the right balance between activity and rest is crucial. Overdoing things can exacerbate your pain, but too little activity can also be detrimental. Our physiotherapists will advise you on safely increasing your activity level at a pace that suits you. By planning your activities carefully, you can avoid overexertion and enjoy the activities you love without causing additional discomfort.
Take regular graded exercise
Graded exercise is a structured program that starts slowly and increases in small, manageable steps. This approach is designed to help you gradually strengthen your muscles and joints while improving your overall fitness. As your general fitness and stamina increase, you’ll be able to boost your activity level without exacerbating your pain. Regular exercise also encourages the production of your body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, known as endorphins.
Additional Physiotherapy Treatments
At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, your physiotherapist may also incorporate other treatments to enhance your recovery, including:
- Massage: Massage therapy can help relax muscles and make joint movement more comfortable.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is another effective treatment that stimulates the brain to produce endorphins. Some of our physiotherapists are trained and qualified to provide acupuncture as part of your treatment plan.
Improving your fitness
Staying active is crucial when you have arthritis. While many people worry that exercise might increase their pain or cause further damage to their joints, it’s important to understand that your joints are designed to move. If the muscles and tissues around them aren’t used, they can weaken, causing joint instability and potentially reducing your mobility and independence. Exercise can enhance your overall fitness, help you lose or maintain a healthy weight, improve your general mobility, and boost your self-confidence.
The key is to find a form of exercise you enjoy, so you’re motivated to do it regularly. Discuss your preferences with your physiotherapist—they can help you design a personalized exercise program, especially if you’re new to exercise, and advise on any special equipment or training you might need to get started.
It’s essential to start gently, pace yourself, and gradually increase your activity level. You may experience a slight increase in pain when you first begin, but this should improve as your confidence and strength grow.
Mobilizing, Stretching, and Strengthening
Arthritis often leads to joint stiffness and muscle weakness, which can impact your daily activities. At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, your physiotherapist will assess your muscle strength and the range of movement in your joints. Based on this assessment, they will recommend techniques and exercises to help you maintain optimal joint function.
For some patients, exercises in a hydrotherapy pool may be beneficial. The warm water in the pool provides a soothing environment that supports your weight, allowing you to move your joints and muscles without added strain. Many people find that movement is easier and more comfortable in water.
Physiotherapy can also be beneficial if you have hypermobile joints, where the range of movement exceeds the normal range. Our clinic has physiotherapists who specialize in managing joint hypermobility and other related conditions, ensuring that your treatment is tailored to your specific needs.
Physiotherapy at home
Helping you get back to life.. faster!
At Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj’s Orthopedic Clinic, we understand the importance of effective treatment for injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. Through movement and exercise, manual therapy, and education, physiotherapy can help you recover faster and return to the activities you enjoy.
Convenient Care for All Ages
Whether for pediatric or elderly care, physiotherapy at home offers a convenient way for patients of all ages to maintain their health, manage pain, and prevent injuries. Our qualified physiotherapists can come to your preferred location, providing a personalized therapy plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Exercise Guide
Start with a dynamic warm-up to prepare your body, then progress to compound movements like squats and deadlifts for full-body strength and stability.
