Can diabetic patients benefit from physiotherapy?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition which is caused due to insufficient production of insulin in the body. It can result in extremely high blood glucose levels, circulatory issues and damage to the nerves. Though there is no permanent cure to diabetes, it can be kept under check through proper diet, physical fitness and health care.

Here are the benefits of undertaking physiotherapy in Perth

• Preventing the onset of diabetes

By making some serious lifestyle changes, you can avoid this disorder altogether. The major causes of diabetes are lack of exercise and weight gain. With proper physical activities, you can manage the level of blood glucose in your body and maintain an optimal weight. But at the same time, you need to avoid certain movements that could cause complications. In Perth physio recommend the right exercises for their patients that have maximum efficiency and are not harmful to the body.

• Restoring body functions

People suffering from diabetes might face complications like limited joint mobility, shoulder and back pain, arthritis, weakening of thighs etc. In that case a physiotherapist can help you in improving your lost musculoskeletal and neurological functions with a combination of techniques.

• Relieving pain

In Perth physiotherapy provides you pain relief without taking any medication. Physiotherapy includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and Interferential therapy (IFT) where the nerves are electrically stimulated to reduce stiffness and pain. They also enhance the mobility of your body. As there is no drug involved, it does not have any side-effects.

• Dealing with foot problems

Most of the complications that are associated with your foot arise from improper gait and posture. Your physiotherapist instructs you how to off-load and manage diabetic-related foot problems. Even for those who have had an amputation, physiotherapy plays a major part in the rehabilitation process by aiding in dealing with post-surgical pain, physical limitations and appropriate use of prosthesis.

This clearly shows that physiotherapy can offer a lot of advantages to diabetic patients. If you have a high risk of diabetes or been diagnosed with it, contact a local physiotherapist now. Depending on your condition, he/she would devise a special exercised program that is tailored to suit your individual needs.

The author is an endocrinologist. He has been treating diabetes patients for over 10 years. He recommends SportsMed Subiaco to receive physiotherapy in Perth. To know more about this facility, visit https://www.sportsmedsubiaco.com.au/

Established in 1998, SportsMed Subiaco envisions to becoming the State’s premier health care facility. We aim for it with our excellence in the diagnosis and management of sporting-related injuries.