Other physical therapies

Phototherapy

This is electromagnetic radiation in the range of visible, UV, infrared radiation. In our department we mainly use therapy with laser.
Note for physicists: it is monochromatic, polarized, coherent, nondivergent electromagnetic radiation - a bunch of photons of high energy.
Laser therapy can be divided into continuous and pulsed. The dose is determined by the energy density J/cm2. The effects of the laser are both direct: thermal and photochemical, and indirect: biostimulating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

The laser is most often applied to scars - hypertrophic, keloid, then to ulcers and decubitus, burns, chronic eczema, functional and structural disorders of the motor system - trigger points, hyperalgesic zones (arthrosis, chronic inflammation), post-traumatic conditions, peripheral paresis, neuralgia, neuritis. Of course, only if this treatment is not contraindicated for another reason.

TERMOTHERAPY:

Pozitivní termoterapie (prohřívání):
has a vasomotor effect - the blood vessels at the place of application are dilated, blood circulation is improved, muscles relax (myorelaxation and spasmolytic effect).
Next and very important is the analgesic effect, immunobiological, increase in the level of tissue metabolism, sedative effect and overall relaxation.
In our department we use parafango for positive thermotherapy, the application temperature is 48°C.
It is indicated as a preparation - relaxation before exercise, soft techniques, in rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases, arthrosis of the vertebrae of the spine, spondylosis, Bechterew's disease.

MECHANOTHERAPY:

Instrumental mechanotherapy includes:

1) ULTRASOUND:
It is a longitudinal mechanical wave.
The application of ultrasound results in micromassage of tissues, their heating, improved metabolism, absorption of swelling and local pain relief. Tissue regenerative abilities are improved. Ultrasound has a very good effect on the release of muscle spasms, so it is popularly applied to the so-called trigger points - the area of the muscle in the spasm, involved in a decisive degree in the shortening and soreness of the muscle. By micro-massaging the cells, the muscle relaxes.
The application time is 5 minutes.

Ultrasound is indicated in diseases of joints, muscles, in the inactive stage of rheumatoid arthritis, in diseases of peripheral nerves, ultrasound can also be used in skin diseases - scars, Duputryen's contracture or post-traumatic conditions.

2) LYMPHOVEN:
Lymphoven is an instrumental lymphatic massage that helps to improve lymphatic drainage from the limbs, reducing swelling. It eliminates the feeling of heavy legs. It can be applied to the lower or upper limbs depending on the type of swelling. Application time is 45-60 minutes.
It is therefore indicated as prevention or treatment of venostatic and lymphoedema. However, it cannot be applied in cardiac insufficiency, extensive varicose veins, post-thrombophlebitic syndrome (after thrombosis and inflammation of veins of the affected limb).