Rehabilitation therapy Flashcards
what is rehabilitation?
the process of restoring the maximum function, independence and quality of life following illness or injury
what are some aims of physiotherapy?
- reduce pain
- improve joint flexibility
- improve muscular strength
- increase speed of recovery
what are some types of physiotherapy?
- thermotherapy
- massage
- PROM
- TENS
- hydro
- therapeutic ultrasound
what is thermotherapy?
- application of heat or cold
- used to reduce inflammation and reduce pain
what are the three ways thermotherapy affects tissues?
- changes in blood flow
- reduction of pain
- changes in tissue metabolism
what does cryotherapy cause?
- vasoconstriction (reduction of blood flow reducing haemorrhage and oedema)
- management of pain (by overstimulating cold receptors and reducing transmission of pain signals)
- a decrease in the rate of metabolic effects in the tissues
what are some indications for cryotherapy?
- post-op pain and associated inflammation
- trauma
- acute osteoarthritis
- tendonitis
- prevention of exercise associated inflammation
what are some effects of heat therapy?
- vasodilation (increases metabolic rate which leads to accelerated tissue healing)
- pain reduction
- muscle relaxation
what are some reasons for using heat therapy?
- osteoarthritis
- chronic lumbosacral disease
- muscular tension/spasm
- prior to exercise
what is therapeutic ultrasound good for treating?
tendon and ligament injuries
what does TENS stand for?
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
what can TENS be used for?
- muscle strengthening
- pain relief
- enhanced recovery
what is effleurage?
- performed first
- directed towards the heart
- gentle stroking movement
- improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
what is petrissage?
- warms the tissues for more intense techniques
- breaks down tissue adhesions
- squeezing, kneading, rolling and compressing movements
- increases supply of nutrients and oxygen to muscle, softens fascia, decreases muscle tension, and improves mobility
what is a friction massage?
massage method where pressure is applied directly onto tissues without using oil or lotion to increase circulation, break down adhesions, and promote proper healing
what are two types of friction massage?
- cross-fibre function - applying pressure across muscle fibres or tendons fibres to help realign collagen fibres, promote tissue flexibility and reduce fibrosis
- circular friction - applied in small circular movements to loosen adhesions and increase blood flow
what are some benefits of friction massage?
- reduces scar tissue formation
- stimulates circulation to promote healing
- alleviates muscle tightness and discomfort
- restores tissue elasticity movement
what is percussion massage?
involves rhythmic tapping or striking of the animal’s body to stimulate superficial and deeper tissues
what are some types of percussion?
- cupping
- hacking
- tapping
- pounding/beating
what are some benefits of percussion?
- enhances circulation and oxygenation of tissues
- stimulates nerve endings
- assists in clearing mucus from the resp tract
- prepares muscles for exercise by improving muscle tone
what is active exercise?
- animal makes movements itself
- increases muscle strength
- improves proprioception
