Physiotherapy in a MDT

If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic conditions or old age, you may be feeling overwhelmed and alone. But there is hope! Treatment by a physiotherapy and multidisciplinary rehab team has been shown to be highly effective in managing chronic conditions and improving quality of life for older adults.

The importance of physiotherapy for chronic conditions and old age

Physiotherapy is a key part of comprehensive and successful treatment for chronic conditions, as well as for elderly individuals in the home setting. This specialized form of healthcare can help improve daily functioning, reduce pain and improve overall quality of life. Physiotherapy treatments are tailored to each individual’s needs and strive to actively engage them in their rehab program. For those with chronic conditions, this includes targeted exercises and physical activity along with lifestyle modifications that improve overall health. The addition of a multidisciplinary team such as occupational therapists, dieticians and social workers ensures all facets of care are covered, making sure that each individual’s full range of needs is met holistically so they can feel healthier and happier at home.

How a multidisciplinary allied health rehab team is most effective in treating chronic conditions and old age

A multidisciplinary allied health rehab team is the most effective way to treat chronic conditions and old age. By having a variety of specialties in acute, aged and community care, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers, an all-rounded therapy plan can be developed to meet varying needs. Each discipline is able to focus on different areas within healthcare, while working closely with one another to provide the most comprehensive recovery program for each individual. Coordinated teamwork brings together prevention, diagnosis and treatment approaches to assist with better integration into daily life. Through this approach, individuals can confidently work towards their full rehabilitation potential in the home setting.

Physiotherapists of sub specialisations

Physiotherapists are highly qualified and experienced health practitioners, specialising in physical rehabilitation. Sub-specialisations of physiotherapy include sports therapy, which focuses on sports-related injuries and how to recover efficiently; pre and post-natal care to assist expectant mothers during pregnancies and soon after birth; geriatric physiotherapy for elderly patients, helping them with falls prevention, gait re-education, exercise training for chronic conditions; neurorehabilitation that uses special methods to treat various neurological impairments; as well as yoga and mindfulness therapy as part of a holistic approach to physical activities. We even have a physiotherapist who incorporates yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and practice of mindfulness to enhance therapy!

Common Conditions & Symptoms That Needs Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists in Singapore treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, back and neck pain, and movement disorders like cerebral palsy.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a common area of focus of physiotherapists in restoring movement and function in patients suffering from injuries related to ergonomics, sports, or accidents. This can include teaching exercises, practicing specific movements, and finding alternative ways to accomplish tasks to promote healing. [7][8][10]

Chronic pain is another condition that physiotherapists will treat. They use a combination of techniques, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercises, to manage and reduce pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal disorders. [8][9]

Back and neck pain are also common impairments that physiotherapists in Singapore assess and treat. They can use active physiotherapy techniques, which have been shown to be effective in addressing spinal problems, to hasten the healing process and minimize inflammation. [9][10]

Physiotherapists also work with patients who have movement disorders, such as cerebral palsy. They may use medications or injections, such as onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), to manage muscle tightness and improve functional abilities. [1]

Finally, cardiopulmonary physiotherapists or also commonly known as chest physios work on a variety of acute and chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions, including asthma, acute chest infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF). They are involved in the preparation and recovery of patients from major surgery and use a range of techniques to help restore movement and function in these patients. [6]

The difference between physio and occupational therapy

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are often mistaken for one another due to their similar goals of improving health and wellness. The two disciplines however, possess very different approaches in how they achieve this goal. Occupational therapy looks at the individual as a whole, while analyzing the environment around them to provide tailored treatments structured towards promoting participation and engagement in meaningful activities. On the other hand, physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement by targeting an individual’s musculoskeletal system with strength relating exercises aimed at treating physical impairments or disabilities. Utilizing both physiotherapy and occupational therapy within a multidisciplinary team is incredibly beneficial when treating chronic conditions and older adults in a home care setting; allowing each therapist to properly address the physical and mental components of long-term treatment plans.

We encourage those affected by chronic conditions or physical decline to explore our comprehensive approach to rehab therapy with our physiotherapists and manage their condition more effectively.