Types of physiotherapy for treating spinal cord injury
There are several types of physiotherapy for tackling spinal cord injury. Physiotherapy plays a very relevant 
role since it provides the patient with more independency and wellbeing. In this post we are reviewing the different types of physiotherapy that are usually applied to these patients.
Types of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy’s main goal is to help us improving our quality of life and obtaining our highest level of independence. Some of the factors that may influence the decision-making about the choice of physiotherapeutic treatment are listed below:
- Injury kind and degree;
- Patient’s previous physical condition;
- Patient’s cooperation;
- Other patient’s health issues or injuries.
Other physiotherapy’s goals are:
- To prevent pressure ulcers;
- To strengthen the muscles from the non-affected body parts.
- To improve sensitivity of the affected areas.
Kinesiotherapy
It is also known as the movement therapy and it is very useful to look for inhibitory positions in case of spasticity. This type of physiotherapy focuses on retraining the muscles and enhancing their condition. It is also used to improve and maintain balance.
Training in DA (daily activities)
It´s used to teach personal care techniques within our capacities. With this type of physiotherapy we can learn to get dressed by ourselves or to increase our level of independence in our daily life. Training in DA is also helpful to enhance the hands’ and fingers’ function.
Hydrotherapy:
As the name suggests, the rehabilitation exercises take place in water and many goals may be reached with this type of physiotherapy. These exercises are usually developed in a pool with warm water in which the movements feel easier and lighter.
Respiratory physiotherapy:
A respiratory assessment shall be performed before starting this rehabilitation. The treatment includes:
- Controlling your breathing when performing daily activities;
- Training respiratory muscles.
This technique´s goal is to slow down the breathing rate, to enhance the coughing capacity, to ease respiratory discharge and to decrease tiredness and respiratory muscle weakness.
There is a lot to discuss about the types of physiotherapeutic treatments available and their benefits. Choosing one or other treatment is a personal decision. What matters is to be persistent to achieve positive results and to improve your life’s quality.
