Importance of physiotherapy highlighted

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has highlighted the importance of physiotherapy as International Physiotherapy Day was celebrated on Sunday September 8.

The department’s health spokesperson, Abulele Dyasi says: “The focus this year is on managing lower back pain – a very common occurrence for many. Whether it is from sitting too long, lifting incorrectly, or just the stresses of daily life. Physiotherapy is highly beneficial in treating lower back pain (LBP) and crucial to improving the patient’s mobility and reducing the pain.”

The department recommended those suffering from persistent lower back pain to seek medical help from physiotherapists at their local health clinics or facilities.

Ms Dyasi says physiotherapists treat a plethora of conditions and add quality to people’s lives not only in treating patients after operations, procedures or injuries, but also in promoting healthy lifestyles and exercise.

“We believe that movement is medicine. Exercise is good for your brain and it keeps your body healthy. Make sure that you exercise daily,” said Mia Du Plessis and Caila Bergsma, physiotherapists at Helderberg Hospital.

Physiotherapy also plays a role in helping those who have suffered a stroke.

Ms Dyasi says physiotherapists provide rehabilitation care and the improvement of bodily functions after a stroke to a level where people can function in their home environment.

In post-operations situations, the functions of a physiotherapist serve to ensure the process on the road to recovery is effective.

“We support the rehabilitation process following surgery. Treatment options include massage to reduce discomfort, support the healing process, and release muscle tension around the stump or the affected limb,” said Mongezi Mlenzana, a physiotherapist, Site B Clinic.

Somerset West Skateboarding coach, Christo Wolfaardt, spoke on the importance of physiotherapy.

In 2022 Christo underwent suggested arthroscopic debridement and as part of his recovery process after the procedure he was prescribed physiotherapy. “I went to two sessions after my operation, but then had a very bad fall off my skateboard,” he says.

This terrible fall resulted in a broken collarbone and he could not do any physiotherapy or other forms of exercises for months and when he finally could go back to rehabilitation, there simply just were no funds available. “Up to this day I still struggle with movement and my legs especially, and I know had I gone for all the physiotherapy sessions my recovery time would have been dramatically different and much faster.

“I would really recommend people to go for physiotherapy after any injuries or operations as it is absolutely necessary if you want to be able to gain back all the muscle function and strength. It’s something you have to do, it’s essential.”

He plans to go back to complete a physiotherapy recovery programme.

The use of physiotherapy further extends to assisting in recovery after sustaining injuries, helps people regain their mobility, treat the cause of pain and limitations in movement, and assists with sport injuries.

A person who can vouch for the beneficial impact thereof in the recovery process after suffering a sports injury last year is Somerset West race walker and athlete Edna Brand. After her stem cell treatment she went for physiotherapy. “I went for shock therapy at a physiotherapist who specialised in sport injuries, it was painful, but it completed the healing process,” she says.

The department informs those unfamiliar with the services of a physiotherapist on what to expect from a session. “During your appointment you can expect a discussion about your health problem and physical testing to help diagnose what might be wrong.

“You will also receive a specialised treatment plan that suits your needs and your goals. Treatment may involve mobilising the joint, walking with assistive devices, breathing exercises, advice and exercises to continue by yourself at home, ” says Ms Dyasi.

In the treatment of children, physiotherapy can assist in improving coordination, balance and other movement problems to improve and maximise their independence.