The multifaceted nature of physiotherapy is what makes it suitable for treating a myriad of physical conditions that include sports injuries and respiratory problems.

Physiotherapists have to select techniques that suit the parameters of a specific injury for the best results. A professional providing physiotherapy in Ealing and nearby areas can combine multiple treatments to increase the chances of recovery. 

What Value You Can Get On Both Active and Passive Physiotherapy

Passive and active exercises are two solutions that physiotherapy experts utilise when dealing with various injuries. You may wonder about the distinction between active and passive physiotherapy and the need to combine them. Read on to learn more.

Differentiating Active and Passive Physiotherapy

Patient movement is what sets apart the two types of exercise therapy. With passive exercise, the patient does not need to move his or her muscles, meaning that it doesn’t demand much effort. In passive exercises, a physiotherapist may use other approaches such as an ultrasound, acupuncture, and apply an electric current, heat or cold on muscles. Active physiotherapy exercises, on the other hand, requires the exertion of muscles and joints. The patient tries to actively and independently move his joints or affected extremity.

Role of Each in Recovery

Passive techniques such as ultrasound therapy are used in the first phase of physiotherapy when the pain is still significantly felt by an individual. When a person is recovering from knee surgery, not only is he still in discomfort, but his muscles are too weak to move freely. Passive treatment is meant to work the joints, tissues and muscles to a state where they can handle exertion. The point is to help patients manage the pain until it is possible to engage in active physiotherapy. Passive exercises are also ideal for reducing muscle spasms in the case of a patient with neurological damage, and this part of the healing process is paramount as it allows the body to readjust without too much pressure.

Active physiotherapy comes after when the muscles and joints can move with minimal discomfort. The function of these exercises is to increase the affected limb’s range of motion, depending on the extent of the injury. Some of the activities include walking, stretching, manual therapy, cycling, and aerobics. Active exercises are very effective in treating physical injuries when properly carried out and managed. They help in restoring joint mobility and increasing muscle strength, making it easy to control movement.

Source:

What are the differences between passive and active exercise?, Reference.com