Punt Physiotherapy Center

Why do you need Physiotherapy? Or Physical Therapy?:

The Human Body: In general, the body of the human being functions optimally through a complex of interactive systems. These systems are controlled by our brain. It's organization consists of nerve centers and nerves. The cooperation of the organs such as heart, lungs, stomach and intestines as well as the nervous system, bones, muscles, tendons and sensors provides us with the ability to think, feel, talk and move. The body and human spirit are linked in total body functioning. This interrelationship provides us with the ability to exist and function optimally.

Physical function: All organs have a specific function in the human body. The heart pumps the blood through the system. The lungs provide the ability to take up oxygen in the blood, which results in the healthy function of organs, ' the liver and the kidneys. The nervous system provides a signal at the right moment to the muscles. All these functions adapt themselves automatically to that which the body demands. When we start to run, several organ functions are being sequenced, causing more oxygen-rich blood to be delivered to the muscles. When we have had dinner, then the intestinal system will receive more attention, which is often the reason why we feel laid back, since the energy required in other areas is less necessary. The central nervous system regulates this without failure and without conscious attention. Our hands are the best example. The fingers are closed around an object, without squeezing it or dropping it. Our eyes however, are very important in directing our hands.

Disturbances: A healthy body which is in balance within, functions without a problem. However, when the system is out of balance of its normal function then we speak of a disturbance. Such a disturbance can be the result of an injury or a dysbalance which ultimately may result in an injury. Physiotherapy can assist successfully in regaining the normal function. When a disturbance, in its early recognition is intervened with Physiotherapy, then injury can be prevented. Disturbances lead to dysfunction and dysfunction leads to injury, unless an accident has taken place. Adaptation to new physical conditions, such as after surgery is part of bringing the body back within its new balance. Some examples of disturbances (complaints) are:
•Orthopedic related, Neurological related
•Arthritis (acute and chronic), Fibromyalgia, Myofascial, Spine related
•Entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndromes, Chronic fatigue syndromes, Spondylo Reflex Syndromes
•Rheumatoid arthritis, Thoracic outlet, Chronic pain, Sports related, TMJ pain, Vertigo, Arthrosis


What is a Physiotherapist? Or a Physical Therapist?:
Physiotherapy belongs to one of the oldest methods in correcting a dysfunction. Physiotherapy was officially founded in Europe in 1889 (The Netherlands). The American Physiotherapy Association gained momentum after WW1. The Association changed their name to the American Physical Therapy Association after WW2. The name Physiotherapist relates to the deep relationship of the Therapist and the Physiology of the patient. The Physiotherapist deals with the changed physiologic condition as a result of the disturbance.

Clinical Physical Therapeutic Exam: Before the Physiotherapist (Physical Therapist) starts with the treatment, an inventory of the various disturbances present will be made. In this inventory the Therapist will examine if the found disturbances relate to one another. The examination consists of observation, objective measurements and specific testing through which the complaints are evaluated. The outcome will be discussed with the patient. The criteria of this exam are: -What are the complaints and when did they start? -What therapeutically can be done and how long is it going to take? -What does the patient expect of the therapy and what can the patient do to speed up the process?

Treatment Plan: Based on the Clinical Exam findings, a treatment plan is individually forged. This plan will determine the treatment methodology and the objective. During each treatment each treatment session the patient will participate actively. The length of the therapy depends on the cooperation of the patient. The Physiotherapist has a large amount of treatment plans available. These plans provide the ability to tailor the therapy to each the individual's need. Treatment plans can be divided into five large categories:

: Kinesiotherapy is also known as Remedial Gymnastics or as Medical Exercise Therapy. This form of therapy assists in the mobility of the joints, increasing strength and coordination of muscles. Relaxation techniques and improved posture and movements are included.

Massage Therapy: This application is applied for specific purpose. Each technique has a specific purpose. The purpose can be aimed to activate lymph-drainage, improve circulation, reduce muscle spasms, to facilitate movement and reduce pain and referred sensations, which is very effective with nerve related disturbances/ irritation.

Therapy: This application is better known as modalities. However as Physics therapy indicates, it is the specific technique which provides the desired physiological effect in the body. Resulting in an improvement of the physiological condition of the tissue, resulting in relief of the ailment. Examples are hot packs, light therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical therapy and ultra sound. It is very common to apply a combination of treatment methods in one session. This allows the Therapist to make use of the many receptors present in our body. each receptor is different and has different physics properties, the combination treatment then addresses all pathways to the ailment optimally with a maximal effect. When the complaint reduces, therapy then will be adjusted to each new situation. These modalities are used to improve the patient's ability to exercise with better effect / performance.

Therapy: Manual Therapy (MT) is a skillful, specialized form of Physiotherapy manually applied to joints, muscles and connective tissue to re-establish adequate ROM, coordination, pain relief, strength and endurance. Manual Therapy techniques are applied with caution and remain within the physiological end range of a joint.

Therapy: Neural Therapy (NT) is an extension of Manual Therapy and involves skillful integration of nerve fiber pain responses in joints, nerve, muscles, skin and referred pain from deep inside the body. Neural Therapy is a skillful application of stimuli to nerve endings with such a facilitation that physiological recovery in favor of tissue under stress, takes place. The techniques are derived directly from neurosciences.