Rehabilitation matters: the role of early physiotherapy in reducing long-term disability

Ailments and injuries require medications, and sometimes surgery. But for complete recovery, which includes reclaiming movement, strength and functional independence, physiotherapy that is begun early in the treatment process is of utmost importance. Physiotherapy not only prevents patients from being immobile for a long time, but also benefits patients as a whole. When started at the right time, it can become a crucial part of healing, and can also allow the patient to return to their regular routines faster and easily.

Disabilities caused by injuries are on the rise around the world due to factors such as such as road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, sports-related trauma and falls due to old age. Elderly citizens are especially vulnerable, due to age-related mobility and balance issues. If rehabilitation is not provided on time, it can lead to muscle loss, joint stiffness, and immobility, which may eventually make the patient dependent on others for daily activities. Thus, a delay in physiotherapy often brings about complications that could have been prevented, and slows down the recovery process.

Treating disabilities

The first step in treating persons with disabilities is early assessment. During the clinical evaluation, healthcare providers assess the severity of physical limitations, including reduced range of motion, weakness, impaired balance, pain, or neurological deficits, through careful examination. This helps provide an early referral to physiotherapy. This is especially important for patients who are undergoing rehabilitation after trauma, orthopaedic surgeries, and neurological disorders such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries. It is also useful for bone and muscle problems, nerve injuries, and sports injuries, as well as for pain management in chronic cases.

What physiotherapy does

Physiotherapy is focused on safe, guided movement and functional retraining of the body. It involves teaching patients correct positioning and handling of their bodies. Rehabilitation is not a regimented procedure; it has to be customised to each patient’s needs. Physiotherapy schedules are made according to the diagnosis, limitations in the patient’s functioning, and the goals of recovery.

Exercise therapy is frequently used to help patients build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and increase endurance. Balance and gait training aim to help patients build confidence in walking and maintain good posture during daily activities. Manual therapy and movement training further enhance support for joint mobility and functional restoration. Typically, the sessions commence with exercises of low intensity, with the intensity gradually increased as the patient’s physical condition improves.

Motivation and regularity are the two most essential factors in rehabilitation. Setting small, easy-to-reach goals systematically keeps patients in therapy and acknowledges even the slightest of improvements as rewards. Very simple milestones, such as sitting up without assistance, standing with someone’s support, or walking a few metres, are beneficial for mental health and also motivate the patient to keep coming back. These small gains made over time will finally translate into substantial improvements in independence and thereby, quality of life.

Why it is important

Rehabilitation is increasingly becoming crucial, as our population ages. Not only does it help reduce hospitalisation stays, long-lasting complications, and medical care, it also, significantly restores patients’ independence and reduces their reliance on caregivers. With the help of professional training, people can gradually learn to perform daily activities safely and efficiently.

Understanding physiotherapy’s importance is essential to achieving long-lasting health outcomes. Following a surgery, it is advisable to speak to healthcare providers about physiotherapy, if required. Early physiotherapy can be a major contributor to the healing process, enabling patients to not only recover faster, but to also improve their quality of life.

(N. Thulasi Ram, is chief physiotherapist  Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chennai ntrphysio@gmail.com)