Indian Idea Of Health Sciences

 India not only has a great cultural and geographic diversity but is one of the few countries where many healthcare sciences have co-existed for ages.
 Allopathy or Western Medicine is the most recent addition to the health scenario of this country (recent only in relative terms). Homeopathy is also not as old as the concept of Ayurveda or other ancient forms of medicine, so is not a traditional way of treatment. The word Allopathy though commonly used for Modern Medicine has a broader meaning. Being the most organized and probably the quickest in effectiveness, it has taken over most other health care sciences in terms of popularity. Such is the notion developed over the decades that health care and Western Medicine have become synonymous. It commands the authority with a vast back up of research and evidence-based practice which is regulated by international organizations thus making it most universal medical science. Allopathy is a constantly evolving field of study where there is little scope for error.This science as any other has its limitations and faces its own challenges from time to time. One of the most talked about and worrying challenge in recent years is "Drug Resistance".
 Every patient must understand that allopathic practice is one field of expertise and is not a part of any hierarchy of health sciences.No such hierarchical pattern exists so other health care professionals like Ayurveda or Homeopathy practitioners are independent in their own rights, to diagnose and treat. Asking an Allopathic practitioner on whether to go for any other consultation, is like a cricketer asking a football coach about which batting position is most suitable for him.
Various Health Sciences that have stood the test of time and are still known to be effective include Ayurveda, Homeopathy,Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani among others.Many common terms like Naturopathy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Panchakarma,Yoga Therapy (therapeutic Yoga) and Siddha usually make their way during discussions when patients are trying to find alternative ways of treating their health issues, particularly chronic conditions.
 Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a field of healthcare which is quietly evolving out of the shadow of Western Medicine and finding its own ground as a methodology of treatment.It is a promising amalgamation of the knowledge of Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Pathology etc. from Modern Medicine and the application of treatment which finds its derivation from concepts based on Yoga,TCM etc. and of course evidence-based research back up.Electro Magnetic or Electro Therapy treatment uses some of the most sophisticated equipment available for treatment in any form of treatment. Manual Techniques used in physio treatment may draw comparisons with techniques used by few other health professionals like Chiropractic techniques or Ayurveda massages but are actually not the same. Exercise prescription during Physical Rehabilitation by a Physiotherapist is one of the most evolved and well-formulated forms of treatment for physical health issues and may also be implemented on other health related problems like cardiac conditions.This is a branch of science which has its roots in the best of the past but is surely a boon for the future of Health Care. It is still a long way to go before the old  misplaced thoughts about Physical Therapy among people may be taken over by the complete faith in the effectiveness. One thing is for sure that there is no point drawing comparisons or creating a hierarchy amongst health care sciences  as each one has a way of its own and a role to play depending on many factors that rule your health.

Ankle Twist: Ligament Injury

When it comes to ankle injuries, it is just not enough to check if it is a fracture or not? Fractures are serious injuries, no doubt; but soft tissue injuries, particularly ligament injuries may be as difficult to treat in case of the ankle joint. Lateral (outer side) three ligaments are very vulnerable to sustain injuries during ankle twist and it is possible that patient may feel a pop during a severe tear. Many ankle twists may also hurt muscle tendons like the Tendo Achilles or involve more than one ligament group. Though initial physical assessment is sufficient for diagnosis in most cases; some cases may need X Ray or even MRI to do a precise differential diagnosis. On field injuries are usually first seen by the team Physio who may have seen the fall happening. Seeing the mechanism of injury makes it easier for on field Physios to immediately conclude about the area and extent of injury. Early referral to nearest hospital for further examination should be done if Physio feels the necessity because continuing to play with a minor soft tissue injury may only worsen the injury.

 

Initial immobilization using ankle support/ strap/ brace/ plaster/ taping may be useful. Physio prescribed exercises like the isometrics for surrounding muscles must be started early to avoid unnecessary weakness and stiffness from setting in. Established Physical Rehabilitation Protocols may help as a guidance during recovery but your of Physio must help to modify the protocols and help in achieving better results.

Most of the soft tissue injury patients get back to normal life within few weeks.This is mainly done by progression through various stages of mobility and strengthening of the associated joint structures. Athletes and dancers should take special care. Getting back to regular sport or dancing routine must be closely monitored because at various stages of recovery, proper Bio Mechanical and Balance analysis is essential. Choice of rehabilitation exercise largely depends on the form of activity that you are supposed to take up after recovery. Dancers, Cricketers, Runners or Football  players may all need different variations of sport specific training during recovery. As you progress, you can gradually add exercises involving body weight and later start some weight training too.

 

You may need to stay in touch with Physio for few months to get time to time guidance for a complete recovery. A good follow up leads to a perfect recovery, otherwise chances of the pain troubling you later in life are very high. Ligaments and soft tissues are such important structures that their injuries may lead to early arthritic changes, if not treated well at the right time.

Physiotherapy - Physical and Electromagnetic means of treatment.

The only way in which Physiotherapy can reach new heights in India is by gaining popularity. Consistent good results are building people's faith. Depending on authorities to change anything has wasted many careers, but not much has changed in the past few decades. Professionals from other medical sciences still seem to be catching up with the idea of "physical and electromagnetic means of treatment". Though mostly not necessary, many practitioners like to mention 7 days of IFT, UST, SWD in their prescription sheets instead of simply referring the case to Physiotherapist.Manual techniques and exercises are still not being taken seriously as treatment methodology .
Physiotherapy is a medicine free science, so few cases may need to undergo medicine and physio treatment at the same time.Patient needs to understand that in such instances, two different forms of treatment are coming together to work faster and it is not one single treatment.So decisions can be taken individually by each practitioner regarding their treatment or with a mutual discussion between both teams.
Physiotherapy follows a progress dependent Physical Rehabilitation;so fixing the number of days of treatment like fixed dosage of antibiotics generally does not apply well here.Physical Therapy needs improvisation at every step during treatment so it depends a lot on knowledge, experience and work style of your Physiotherapist. 
We appreciate the effort of those Physiotherapists who have consistently worked to improve the standards of this profession in India. Some others who have prioritized monetary benefits over the faithfulness towards profession,may learn their lessons with time.