By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen
Most of us tend to ignore our minor aches and pains or put them down to the aging process. We often don’t seek help until some major health event occurs. Little do we realize that physiotherapy may be able alleviate major incidents such as a bad fall.
Physiotherapy can be defined as a treatment method that focuses on the science of movement and helps people to restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, function, motion and overall well-being by addressing the underlying physical issues.
The science of physiotherapy is believed to have been practiced as early as 400 BC by Hippocrates and Galen physicians as they advocated manual therapy techniques, massage, and hydrotherapy methods in treating their patients.
Today, manual therapy has the added benefit of science and most treatments have been digitized and automated.
In my past experience with Physio sessions, ultrasound, electrotherapy and other electronic aids were set by the therapist based on consultation and feedback.
Today at the newly opened Physio Care PMC Center, all the electronic equipment are not only digitized but preset: with a list of ailments, the strength and time required all pre-determined and one touch of the machine sets the therapy in motion.
One of my personal prerequisites for repeated visits to a physiotherapy center is whether I have rapport with the physiotherapist. Here at Physio Care, the physiotherapist is Peremnath A/L Mohan, a gentle young man trained in Physiotherapy in Malaysia and followed by a Diploma in Occupational Therapy from the UK. I could certainly work with this amiable and soft spoken young man.
Below is a list of all the equipment in PMC Physio Care:
- Preset ultrasound (BTL Ultrasound)
- Combo therapy unit
Back – ultrasound; Front – electric unit with pads
Can be used for two patients at the same time, or two units can be used on one patient simultaneously. For example, if the patient is doing knee joint therapy, ultrasound can be applied on the shoulder.
- BTL traction unit
Focuses on the neck, cervical and lumbar.
- Bobath Bed
With the use of the bobath concept, it is used for patients with neuro-developmental disorders to facilitate movement.
- Tilt bed
For stroke patients or individuals who are unable to move or are bedridden.
Once the patient is strapped in, the bed will do the tilting from 60 to 90 degrees.
- Suspension therapy bed with cage
Mainly for increasing the range of movement for someone with limited range of motion.
Cliff pulley and resistance can be given manually.
Pulley is used for shoulder movement.
- Hand unit
For musculoskeletal / neurological patients including those who experience stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Units available: Colorful Theraputty feels like Child’s Play Dough where you stick your whole hand into the jar and maneuver your fingers to lift or shape the putty to increase finger strength and flexibility. They come in different colors denoting different strengths. There are also digital flex units for improving hand and finger strength, as well as Therabands for muscle power.
I actually found all the tools in the Hand unit quite fun; almost like going back to childhood!
For the issue of Flat Feet, the recommendation is for prosthetic shoes, an orthotic, and foot exercises.
Paraffin wax therapy is also given for hand and foot numbness and tingling sensation.
When patients come in and complain about pain but are unsure of the location, they should preferably come in with a doctor’s letter after which Physio Care will first conduct a thorough assessment, learn their past and present history of comorbidities, and determine if they are on any medications or had surgery.
Before therapy begins, either a cold pack or hot pack will be applied. Cold packs are for acute pain and hot packs are for chronic pain (persisting for more than 6 months).
The center also does physical manipulation.
Patients:
Madam Devi
- Has venus ulcer on ankle
- Visits twice a week and has shown signs of improvement
Madam Mageswary
- Condition: knock knees and ankle sprain
- Previously, had pain on the lower back
- Been visiting the center for two months and comes once a week
Physio Care
No. 2, Medan Istana 3, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.
Physiotherapist, Peremnath A/L Mohan
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 5pm
Saturday: 8.30am – 1pm
This center is also a panel for SOCSO.
Therapist, Peremnath is fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin.
