Kinesio therapy, Physical therapy Belgrade

Kinesitherapy is one of the most common methods of physical therapy due to the wide range of benefits it offers in the treatment of patients. The name itself comes from the Greek words "kinesis" (movement) and "therapia" (therapy), which indicates that this procedure is based on the application of movement for therapeutic purposes. The movements are systematized in order to locate and engage the muscles that are affected by the problems. Physiotherapy can focus on one specific muscle or, more often, on a group of muscles that is related to the problem.

The exercise system is formed by a specialist doctor with the aim of engaging the muscles, but also other systems of the body, such as cardiovascular and respiratory. This leads to a general improvement of the patients' condition. Kinesitherapy is primarily used as part of rehabilitation, but it is often recommended to patients who have other diseases, such as respiratory problems, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, or neurological diseases. This type of therapy brings positive results both locally, for the region being treated, and systemically, including different systems of the human organism.

Kinesitherapy is not only used to solve problems caused by injuries or chronic diseases, but also as prevention. It has been proven that it strengthens the immune system, prevents chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, and has a positive effect on psychological conditions.

It is known that due to the absence of physical activity, body functions weaken, muscle atrophy, joints and organ tissues weaken, which can lead to numerous health problems. Doctors recommend daily moderate physical activity, which may include walking and exercises.

Kinesitherapy requires an active approach from patients, who, with the professional support of a therapist, implement a predetermined system of exercises. The goal is to quickly train the musculoskeletal system for independent functioning after injury or illness.

Exercises are applied to achieve optimal functioning of injured or sick muscles, as well as the whole body. Application of specific exercises can increase muscle endurance and mobility through active participation of patients during therapy.

The application of kinesitherapy leads to:

• Muscle strengthening
• Increased muscle elasticity
• Preservation and restoration of normal joint mobility
• Improvements in circulation
• Preservation and restoration of coordination
• Improvements in the functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, bone-joint, muscular and nervous systems
• Positive impact on various psychological problems in patients

Kinesitherapy is especially recommended for athletes, both professional and recreational. A properly selected exercise system increases strength, elasticity, endurance, speed and fitness. When working with athletes, devices or additional equipment are often used in order to achieve maximum results.

Types of exercises

Depending on the indication and condition of the patients, an individually adapted system of exercises is created. They can be:

• Active exercises: Patients use their muscles independently.
• Passive exercises: When patients cannot perform certain movements independently.

An important segment of kinesitherapy consists of stretching exercises, which relax muscles while simultaneously increasing vascularization. There are also strength exercises that can be:

• Isodynamic: Movement of joints with muscle contraction.
• Isometric: Muscle contraction without moving the joints.
• Isokinetic: Muscle contraction against high resistance.

Precisely defining the diagnosis is crucial for determining the therapy that leads to the improvement of the patient's condition in the fastest and most successful way. Kinesitherapy can include exercises for injured, immobile or painful parts of the musculoskeletal system, but it can also be preventive.

A combination of modalities

Taking into account the patient's condition, the doctor determines a combination of different modalities of kinesitherapy, which may include:

• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Kinesitherapy for cervical or lumbar syndrome
• Corrective exercises

It is recommended for patients with:

• Orthopedic problems: Sports injuries, fractures, post-operative rehabilitation.
• Rheumatological problems: Arthrosis, rheumatism, cervical and lumbar syndrome.
• Neurological problems: Damage to peripheral nerves, conditions after strokes, cerebral palsy.
• Needs for corrective exercises: Flat feet, incorrect posture, kyphosis.

The main objectives include:

• Preservation and restoration of normal joint mobility
• Preservation and restoration of normal muscle strength
• Motor education and re-education
• Preservation and restoration of coordination
• Action on the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as on the cardio-vascular, respiratory and bone-joint system

The forms of kinesitherapy applied in physiotherapy centers are numerous, but the most common are:

• Corrective gymnastics: A set of physical exercises that can be applied preventively or therapeutically.
• Education on protective positions and body movements.
• Proper breathing exercises.
• Kinesitherapy for lumbar syndrome: Disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, disc protrusion.
• Kinesitherapy for peripheral arthrosis: Gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis, arthrosis of the small joints of the hands.
• Relaxation exercises.
• Kinesitherapy for cervical syndrome: disc herniation, central myelopathy.
• Physiotherapy after bone fractures and dislocations: Sports and other injuries.
• Exercises for osteoporosis.
• Kinesitherapy as preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation.

Kinesitherapy is essential in every phase of treatment or rehabilitation. The main goal of kinesitherapy treatment is to restore the physiological function of the injured segment or the entire body. This is achieved by applying adequately prescribed and correctly dosed exercises.

The exercise system is designed so that, through different types of movements and the application of rehabilitation techniques, patients can recover effectively from injuries and return to normal life activities.