Different kinds of equipment involved in physiotherapy

A physical therapist also called a physio therapist uses various techniques and exercise to treat their patients. It is compulsory for the therapist to use only these techniques, he or she may also use physio tools for therapeutic reasons. These machines not only aid in therapy but also speed up the recovery process of the patients. This equipment works to reduce the pain in the joints and muscles and heals them. Such machinery makes the whole visit more fun and relaxing.

Some of the most common pieces of equipment used by physiotherapists include the physiotherapy bed, chair, table, and couch. All of these are widely available at several fitness outlets. Some people also purchase cushioned flat benches with a head support that is also cushioned. These benched are adjustable at different sections and from different angles.

The adjustable sections are a very helpful feature that allows the patient to lie down on the stomach or lie flat on the back. It can also be folded in specific ways to act as both a chair and an exercise bench. Equipment like these makes the patient more relaxed when the therapist is examining or treating them. Such physio tools are also used by the patient if the patient is performing exercises or can be used for massage purposes.

Other examples of machinery include weights that are used for hand and leg exercises, exercise balls and elastic bands. The exercise ball is a large ball that is filled with air and is attached to a stool set with rollers underneath it. This is for patients who need back support during exercises because the quality of this ball is that it contains or traps the strain a person would feel on their spine or back muscles.

Some practitioners also employ the use of machinery which can be connected to the patient’s skin. These attachments basically send out electrical signals to the nerves which inhibit the pain. This method provides a medication free method for relieving pain. Patients find it to be very effective in the case of chronic pain.

The electrical signals can be intensified and lowered according to preference and it is recommended that you use the machine for not more than 25 minutes. Portable forms of this machinery are also available that are hand held and operated by battery.

Next, most important pieces of equipment used are ultrasound machines and electrotherapy machines. Ultrasound machines have a handheld wand or probe and the patient’s body part which needs to be treated is moistened using an ultrasound gel. When the probe is moved along the skin from where it transmits ultrasonic waves. This method is highly efficient in delivering medication below the skin region without the use of injections or skin penetrating techniques.

The same apparatus can be used to generate tissue heat for pain reduction and not only pain but relaxes the muscles and tissue as well. The ultrasound wand is connected to large electrical equipment which is placed on a cart so that handling is easy and convenient.