For a brand new you-body and soul, OYEYEMI GBENGA -MUSTAPHA writes that a visit to the physiotherapy unit/Health promotion Unit of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba can fix you for the new year.
We are in the festive season and everyone wants to enjoy life to the fullest where there is no hinderance to freedom of movement, easy and painless living, independence; enjoying hobbies, sports and recreation time; keeping fit; catching fun with family members and playing with kids or grandkids.
But what if certain problems stand in your way such as pain with movement like bending forward? Do you know the relevance of physiotherapy to everyday life? You may do yourself a whole lot of good by visiting the Physiotherapy Unit and Department of Health Promotion Unit, Federal Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Yaba, Lagos and get your body fixed and prepared for the emerging year, more so, if you are working in an office.
According to the Assistant Director, Physiotherapy and Head of Department (HOD), Health Promotion Unit, Federal Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Miss Adetayo A. Adeife, this is the season to fix certain pains one has been ignoring by planning and utilising the long holiday to get good professional body care.
“This is the time to really attend to certain problems that have stood in your way such as pain with movement like bending forward, stiffness when walking, twinges of pain when raising the arm, pain when rising from a chair or getting out of bed, neck aches when at the computer or fear of falling. No need to move into the New Year with such pains. They can be adequately addressed here at Yaba,” said Miss Adeife.
She said there are well over 20 different treatment approaches commonly used by the physiotherapist and the hospital has what it takes to do them. Such as:
Hands-on Physiotherapy Techniques such as:
Joint mobilisation (gentle gliding) techniques, Joint manipulation, Physiotherapy Instrument Mobilisation (PIM). Minimal Energy Techniques (METs), Muscle stretching, Neurody-namics, Massage and Soft tissue techniques.
In fact, we have skills which include techniques used by most hands-on professionals such as chiropractors, osteopaths, massage therapists, and kinesiologists. We do physiotherapy taping by utilising strapping and taping techniques to prevent injuries. Some of the staff are also skilled in the use of kinesiology taping.
Acupuncture and dry needling:
Many physiotherapists have acquired additional training in the field of acupuncture and dry needling to assist pain relief and muscle function.
Physiotherapy Exercises: Physiotherapists have been trained in the use of exercise therapy to strengthen your muscles and improve your function. Physiotherapy exercises have been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways that you can solve or prevent pain and injury.
Your physiotherapist is an expert in the prescription of the “best exercises” for you and the most appropriate “exercise dose” for you depending on your rehabilitation status. Your physiotherapist will incorporate essential components of pilates, yoga and exercise physiology to provide you with the best result.
Biomechanical Analysis
Biomechanical assessment, observation and diagnostic skills are paramount to the best treatment.
Your physiotherapist is a highly skilled health professional with superb diagnostic skills to detect and ultimately avoid musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Poor technique or posture is one of the most common sources of repeat injury.
And if you are in the sports world, Miss Adeife said there is Sports Physiotherapy.
“Sports physio requires an extra level of knowledge and physiotherapy skill to assist injury recovery, prevent injury and improve performance. We are up to date on this aspect as well,” she added.
And for executives whose job is impeding their well being, Mrs Adeife said that can be taken care of with Ergonomics.
Why is Ergonomics important?
Mrs Adeife said ergonomics is the study of how people fit in their work environment, as she explained, “Ergonomic improvements are specific to the workers and their demands upon their bodies. The ergonomic demands of an office worker vary significantly from a manual job such as a labourer. An employee may be fit or physically capable for one occupation and not another. That’s the basic point, we’re all different shapes and sizes and our workplace setup and practices can vary on an individual basis. This is where an ergonomic assessment for the individual worker is important”.
Office Ergonomics
“Office ergonomics don’t necessarily need to involve expensive ergonomic chairs, mouse, workstation products, tools or desks. Ergonomics in the office can usually combine an ergonomic assessment and setup along with helpful preventative ergonomic advice. It is often not what we are sitting upon or standing at, but rather how we hold our body or perform the tasks that cause workplace injury. Advice about correct trunk posture can improve your spine, head and neck alignment that results in a less fatigue when sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Often a simple product will assist or remind you on how to position yourself in your work or home environment,” she added.
