There are various types of physiotherapy, here we have summarized some important types of Physical Therapy:

Geriatric/old-age physiotherapy:

This is the important area of physiotherapy that addresses the physical therapy issues in the elderly(going through the process of aging) people. It includes the treatment of age-related conditions such as joints immobility, joint replacement, balance disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, and other issues.

Physio-therapists specialized in this particular area devise a well-designed bundle of exercises that help in relieving all these conditions and associated pain in elderly individuals. These physical therapies enhance the overall fitness and well-being of individuals.

Best exercises for seniors:

Chair yoga, walking, water aerobics, bodyweight management workouts, Pilates, etc. Remember, it is better to take consultancy from an expert physiotherapist. He/she can suggest better physical exercises/therapies according to your current health status.

Benefits:

1) Geriatric rehabilitation helps in increasing the strength of the muscles.

2) It aids in reducing joint pain and all associated conditions.

3) It regulates your blood pressure and glucose levels.

4) It prevents the risks of getting perforated bones (osteoporosis) and heart diseases

5) It improves your capability to perform regular tasks with full efficiency.

Pediatric physiotherapy:

This particular area of physiotherapy encompasses the treatments which help the children to gain their maximum physical development.

Important pediatric exercises:

Gross motor skills exercises ( Playing catch, bear walk, Simon says, chasing bubbles). These exercises are particularly formulated to help the children developing strong gross motor skills.  Other examples include running, jumping rope, and kicking.

Mobility exercises (Balloon in air, adapted yoga, and dancing and pool time). These exercises are suggested to children suffering from muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, traumatic brain injury, juvenile rheumatoid fever, Down syndrome, Spina bifida, cardio-pulmonary disorders, arthrogryposis, hypotonia, cystic fibrosis, torticollis, and mobility issues.

In simple words, pediatric physiotherapists assist the children with motor skills and muscular dysfunctioning troubles to achieve optimum development.

Note: Always take the recommendations related to any kind of physical therapy from an expert/professional pediatric physio-therapist.

Vestibular physiotherapy:

This is also known as vestibular rehabilitation. It is a specialized form of physical therapy that is used to treat vestibular disorders characterized by poor in-coordination, posture issues, dizziness, trouble with balance, and vertigo. Vestibular physical therapy help individuals correct their gait, posture, and other coordination issues. Remember, sometimes VPT becomes an important part of pre or post-surgery plans.

Benefits:

1) It helps individuals with neck tightness/stiffness or pain.

2) It aids in relieving the symptoms of dizziness, foggy head feelings.

3) It helps in reducing blurry vision.

4) Poor gait/ bad in-coordination.

Vestibular physical therapies enhance the postural stability and overall quality of an individual’s life. However, it is better to take guidance from an expert before doing any vestibular physical exercise.

Orthopedic physiotherapy:

This area of physical therapy includes the treatment of the musculoskeletal system that includes muscles, bones, joints, connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments. All along with that, orthopedic rehabilitation includes the various physical treatment protocols which can be done after surgical procedures to regain the normal functioning of the patient. For instance, after knee replacement, cancer surgery, knee arthroscopy, hip replacement, heart surgery, and rotator cuff repair, patients get physical therapies to enhance the overall quality of the life.

Benefits:

• OPT helps you in rebuilding your strength. It also helps in managing the pain and swelling.
• It helps you to retrieve proper coordination/balance, particularly after major surgical intervention.
• It also aids in chronic conditions of the muscles and bones. For example, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

Orthopedic physical therapy includes hot/cold physical treatments(to reduce swelling and joint pain). In technical terms, hot therapy is called “Thermotherapy and cold-therapy is called “ Cryotherapy”.

According to scientific research, it was documented that both cold and heat therapies were proved effective in treating the pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions. But cold compress sharp after an intense exercise showed better results in preventing muscle soreness.

Traction is another orthopedic physical therapy procedure that helps in reducing the severity of lower back and neck pain along with degenerative disc complications.