BUJUMBURA, March 26th (ABP) – Physiotherapy, also known as kinesitherapy, is a paramedical discipline that aims to prevent, treat and rehabilitate various disorders linked to motor functions and mobility, according to Déo Ndayishimiye, a physiotherapist at the professional kinesitherapy center in Bujumbura Mayorship.
According to him, kinesitherapy means movement and therapy treatment, hence kinesitherapy means treatment using movements.
The physiotherapist went on to explain that physiotherapy uses a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises and specialised equipment to restore the body’s functional balance, improve quality of life and promote patients’ independence.
He also pointed out that physiotherapy plays an essential role in overall health by helping to rehabilitate patients following injury, surgery or stroke, in order to restore mobility and muscle strength.
Physiotherapy is also used to prevent complications associated with immobility and a sedentary lifestyle, particularly among the elderly or those in remission from chronic illnesses, he added.
Physiotherapy also relieves pain and reduces inflammation using appropriate techniques, thereby improving physical function and mental well-being. It also optimises the physical performance of sportspeople by preventing injury and improving functional capacity.
According to Mr. Ndayishimiye, physiotherapy is recommended in a number of situations, particularly after trauma or surgery to facilitate recovery of muscle and joint function, or musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain, tendonitis or sprains, in order to reduce pain and improve mobility. It is also recommended for chronic conditions, such as neurological diseases (stroke, multiple sclerosis) or respiratory diseases (chronic bronchopneumonia), to improve functional status. It is also used as a preventive measure for people at risk (sedentary people, athletes, senior citizens) to avoid the onset or worsening of functional problems.
Physiotherapy is used to treat a wide range of pathologies, including musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain, osteoarthritis and tendonitis, neurological sequelae following a stroke (in cases of cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis), respiratory disorders (to facilitate airway clearance in patients suffering from asthma or bronchopneumopathy) and cardiac problems in post-infarction rehabilitation to improve endurance and quality of life.
Apart from that curative role, physiotherapy also plays an important preventive role, according to Mr. Ndayishimiye. That is when, for example, regular re-education and exercise programmes are carried out to strengthen the body, improve posture and flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury or complications linked to inactivity. It is beneficial not only for patients undergoing treatment, but also for anyone wishing to maintain good physical condition, prevent functional problems or improve their physical performance.
He pointed out that awareness of physiotherapy in Burundi is growing, but remains uneven. According to him, in urban areas there is greater awareness of and easier access to physiotherapy services, thanks to information campaigns and the increase in the number of specialist centers.
In rural areas, the lack of information and infrastructure remains a challenge, limiting the spread of the benefits of physiotherapy. He suggests that awareness-raising programmes should be stepped up, to improve understanding and use of that discipline throughout the country.
Mr. Ndayishimiye urges people to inform themselves about the benefits of physiotherapy and not to hesitate to consult a specialist if they experience pain or restricted movement. She should adopt an active lifestyle by incorporating regular exercise into her daily routine to strengthen her muscles and improve her posture. She should also, according to Ndayishimiye, take part in prevention programmes by joining workshops or preventive re-education sessions offered by specialist centres.
To strengthen the physiotherapy sector, a number of recommendations are put forward, including: investing in the creation of rehabilitation centres by modernising and increasing the number of physiotherapy centers, especially in rural areas and the country’s most remote provinces, to ensure equitable access to care.
He also stresses the need to strengthen professional training by setting up continuing education programmes and partnerships with international institutions to improve the skills of physiotherapists in ergonomics and speech therapy.
Allocating resources for equipment by ensuring adequate funding for the renewal of equipment and the acquisition of modern technologies would also be an asset, as would launching public awareness campaigns on the importance of prevention and physiotherapy care, to encourage better management of musculoskeletal disorders and other ailments.