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World Physiotherapy Day is observed every year on Spetember 8. The day aims to raise awareness about physiotherapy and how it helps to keep people healthy, mobile and independent. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) in 1996 designated 8th September as World Physiotherapy Day. The focus for this year’s World PT Day is low back pain (LBP) and how physiotherapy helps in management and prevention.
There are different types of physiotherapy; active physiotherapy and passive physiotherapy among others. Speaking to Times, Dr Apoorva Shrivastava, CEO and Founder of Resolve360, has pursued an MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy shares how active physiotherapy helps to benefit everyday health.
Active physiotherapy is a tool that helps to improve overall health and well-being by extending beyond the traditional role of physiotherapy in injury rehabilitation. Dr Shrivastava says that this approach which emphasizes patient engagement and personalised therapeutic exercise regimens, offers numerous benefits for everyday health.
Read on to know how active physiotherapy can positively impact various aspects of our lives.
Addressing Metabolic Disorders
Active physiotherapy plays an important role in managing metabolic disorders such as PCOD, PCOS, diabetes type 2, obesity and hypo/hyperthyroidism. Regular and guided physical activity can help in regulating hormonal imbalances, improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management. For conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, exercise helps to improve glucose metabolism and helps in fat loss whereas in hypo/hyperthyroidism, it can help stabilise energy levels and metabolism, thereby, contributing to overall symptom management.
Improving Bone and Joint Health
The increase in sedentary lifestyles has taken a toll on bone and joint health. Active physiotherapy gives you a solution by incorporating targeted therapeutic exercises into daily routines. These activities stimulate bone formation, increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis. With personalised guidance from a professional, people can develop safe and effective exercise programs that help in long-term bone and joint health.
Building a Collaborative Approach
One of the key aspects of active physiotherapy is its collaborative nature. Patients are not passive recipients of treatment but active participants in their health journey. This approach gives people the power to take ownership of their well-being and this helps in better adherence to treatment plans and better outcomes. The physiotherapist becomes a partner and guide, helping patients understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.
Long-Term Health Maintenance
Active physiotherapy equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for long-term health maintenance. By learning proper therapeutic exercise techniques, body mechanics and self-management strategies, patients can continue to care for their health long after their initial treatment ends. This approach to health helps prevent future injuries and maintains optimal physical function throughout life.
Better Mental Health and Well-being
The benefits of active physiotherapy are beyond physical health and include mental well-being as well. Regular therapeutic exercises have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. The sense of accomplishment combined with the social interaction can help to boost self-esteem and the overall quality of life.