Sun, water, magnetism, movement, temperature – resources found in nature that, used wisely and well, can also heal the human body. The science that uses these natural resources is called physiotherapy and is celebrated every year on 8 September.
Modern medicine has coined the term physiotherapy from the Greek word physos (nature), which accepts that in addition to drugs and surgery, the forces of nature can also help patients to heal. Even prehistoric man used herbs to relieve his ailments, but Hippocrates himself used massage and hydrotherapy about 400 B.C.E. Since the 19th century, the development of the discipline accelerated, thanks to Sir Thomas Arnold, who helped lay foundations for modern hydrotherapy and gymnastics. Initiated by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, World Physical Therapy Day is celebrated every year on his birthday, 8 September.
Physical, chemical, and special treatments
Physiotherapy is a broad term and includes all treatments based on the beneficial effects of physical and chemical energies – sun, water, temperature, human movement, electricity, magnetism, and ultrasound. We can talk about physical energy therapy, i.e. physical therapy, or chemical energy methods. The former includes electrotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, ultrasound, sunlight, ultraviolet or infrared therapy, laser therapy, heat therapy, wraps, saunas, hot air baths, steam baths, hydrotherapy, etc. Balneotherapy is a well-known branch of the use of chemical energy therapies, but inhalation treatments are also widely used today. Other specific forms of physiotherapy include therapeutic nutrition, climatotherapy and cave therapy.
From health check to lifestyle advice – physiotherapy in Szeged
Today, there is a growing demand for physiotherapy treatments that can help in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. At HR-Pharma in Szeged, every treatment starts with a health check, during which the patient is questioned in detail about his/her complaints and lifestyle, so that an accurate medical history can be taken. Posture testing is part of the assessment, as the whole body and its changes are always examined, not just the problem area. Functional tests and joint range of motion measurements are also used to determine the cause of the problem. The assessment always concludes with a short and long-term treatment plan, a description of the condition, a recommendation of treatment techniques and lifestyle advice.