The Role of a Physiotherapist Inside the ICU

1. The Role of a Physiotherapist Inside the ICU Intensive care is a form of care provided to the critically ill people by a multidisciplinary team. The uniquely qualified medical professionals work together to manage the respiratory, physical deconditioning, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular conditions of the patient. There is another department that is essential for people who are in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a long time or people who are bedridden for a prolonged period - physiotherapy. Why Physiotherapy Inside an ICU? When a person is recovering from a critical illness or from a life-threatening condition, ICUs typically offer a support system that eases the life-essential functions such as breathing. However, long-term inactivity of the person can pose some serious physical and psychological complications. Physiotherapy in ICU by the experts is designed to reduce these complications. Take a look at the impact of prolonged ICU stays can breed. Complications as a Result of Long-term ICU Stays:

2. Extended ICU stay recommended by your doctor is to provide a healing environment from a life-threatening condition. However, it has some downsides that might impact the person during and after the discharge.  Reduced physical strength - Long-term inactivity can affect the muscle movement, eventually weakening the whole system.  Difficulty in breathing - As an effect of mechanical ventilation, the person’s diaphragmatic capacity might get reduced.  Impaired cardiac function - Mechanical ventilation will influence the cardiac functionality, leading to cardiac infections and blood-circulation issues. The Role of Physiotherapy Inside the ICU Delivering laser-focused care inside the ICU, a physiotherapist plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of various health conditions triggered by the long stays. Physiotherapy has always been an important intervention inside an ICU, improving the breathing function of the patients. Here are a few conditions the physiotherapist help with inside the Intensive Care Unit.   Oncology Physiotherapy A physiotherapist is an essential member in the multidisciplinary team and helps the individual fight against the cancer from a better ground. Assessing the physical condition, impact of the ongoing treatment, the physiotherapist will work in coordination to improve the physical functionality, independence, and the quality of life.   Burns Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is imperative for burns in order to maintain the joint integrity, flexibility and elasticity of the skin. Based on the initial evaluation and the extent of burns, the physiotherapist will be involved in the entire healing process inside the ICU, helping in restoring the musculoskeletal function to the optimal level.  Neuro Physiotherapy 

3. Physiotherapy is a combined effort by physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts to restore the motor and movement functions. However, neurophysiotherapy is a dedicated discipline that focuses on improving functional abilities of a person suffering a physical impairment because of a neurological condition.   Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Starting from treating acute asthma, chest-related infections, and trauma, the cardiopulmonary physiotherapists work with patients of various health settings. They provide therapy for conditions such chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and post-myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy is an important discipline that resolves breathing issues from adults to premature babies with the help of pediatric physiotherapists. Providing their assistance in assessing and managing a patient’s health condition, physiotherapists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team of an ICU. Determining the short-term and long-term goals, communicating with the patients and the family members, and taking measures for an enhanced living experience of the individual, there would be a physiotherapist for every condition that leads to the ICU, including the ongoing pandemic. Choosing an all service-inclusive rehabilitation clinichelps you gain that initial traction and momentum to attain the comfortable and convenient life, once again.