The physiotherapist uses special techniques and equipment to speed recovery.RUTH DENNIE first came to Jamaica in 1987 on a Guyanese Government scholarship to attend the School of Physical Therapy in St. Andrew, the institution now known as Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre also known as the Mona Rehabilitation Centre.
Qualifying in 1990, she returned to Guyana where she practised for four years before returning to Jamaica in 1994 to be with her husband, United Kingdom-trained architect, Neil Dennie
Their daughter Lydia was born in Jamaica in 1995. The couple have made the island their home. Ruth Dennie practises at the Eden Garden on Lady Musgrave Road in
St. Andrew.
This week, this woman provides information on physiotherapy which is not widely known. Physiotherapy accelerates healing and recovery from illness, but Jamaicans rarely are pointed to this kind of practitioner.
The physiotherapist practises this aspect of medicine using physical agents such as heat or cold and other modalities such electrical appliances, specialised techniques to speed or enhance recovery.
The physiotherapist may use several exercise techniques and specialised manipulations of the bones and muscles to accelerate recovery. There are different techniques, which are applied on the diagnosis received. What is given to someone who suffered a stroke is different from another with Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions.
Individuals may need physiotherapy in order to:
Accelerate healing, causing speedy recovery.
Prevent deformity.
Improve function of the affected limb or organ
Relieve pain and decrease swelling.
Improve strength.
Many Jamaicans are not told by their doctors that their healing and recovery will happen faster with physiotherapy. This is a pity, because in many cases the treatment is quite inexpensive.
Those in need of physiotherapy include individuals who have developed:
Muscular sprains and strains.
Fractures of the bones.
Joint pains.
Neck pain.
Back pain.
Inflammation of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Problems related to compression and paralysis of the nerves
Neurological conditions e.g., facial palsy, stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.
In order to receive help from a physiotherapist, you must first see your doctor or go to a physiotherapist for a consultation.
The doctor will refer you to a therapist with a diagnosis. The therapist will use special tests to determine what the problem is, but special diagnostic tests may be needed for confirmation.
The earlier many conditions are treated, the better the results in terms of healing and return to normal function of organs, limbs and nervous response.
Outlook Team
