For many people recovering from injuries, managing chronic pain, or struggling with movement, physiotherapy offers an important path towards recovery and greater independence. Although it is often associated with exercises and massage, physiotherapy involves a range of physical techniques aimed at restoring movement, improving strength, reducing pain, and helping individuals return to their daily activities. Physiotherapy professionals explain how these treatments can benefit people of different ages and with various physical and neurological conditions.
Michael Saawa, a physiotherapist from the Kisubi Physiotherapy and Orthopedic Department, explains that physiotherapy is a healthcare treatment that employs physical methods such as exercise, stretching, and massage to restore movement and alleviate pain.
“Physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, bones, joints, and nervous system,” Saawa stated.
According to Saawa, Physiotherapy aims to help individuals recover from injuries, diseases, or surgeries.
“Rather than relying solely on medication, we utilize physical movement and training to promote healing and improve overall function.” Saawa noted.
Saawa emphasizes the importance of physiotherapy and lists several reasons, including Pain Reduction, which effectively alleviates discomfort and improves quality of life; Muscle Strengthening Physiotherapy, which helps build strength to support daily activities such as Improved Balance.
“Our techniques assist in preventing falls and enhancing stability and Restoration of Independence. We aim to aid individuals in regaining the ability to perform their daily tasks,” he noted.
According to physiotherapist Mwanza Nuwagaba, who also works at Kisubi physiotherapy department, individuals should consider physiotherapy in the following situations, including after experiencing a sports injury, car accident, following a stroke or major surgery, and when dealing with long-term back or joint pain.
Who qualifies for Physiotherapy
Saawa notes that almost anyone experiencing physical pain, stiffness, or mobility issues can benefit from physiotherapy.
It does not have an age limit but cuts across from children with birth defects to adults recovering from sports injuries and older adults facing challenges such as arthritis or balance problems.
Techniques Used in Physiotherapy
Saawa outlines common techniques employed in physiotherapy, including Exercise Therapy that are customized movement plans designed to rebuild strength, flexibility, and balance, the Manual Therapy, which involves hands-on techniques involving joint manipulation, stretching, and massage to ease discomfort and loosen stiff tissue, and the Electrotherapy that involves the application of light electrical currents or ultrasound waves to stimulate muscles and accelerate tissue recovery.
Supplementing on Saawa’s submission, Nuwagaba notes that there is the Hot and Cold Therapy, that involves the use of temperature packs that help to reduce swelling or relax tight muscles.
Nuwagaba also adds that physiotherapy is beneficial for individuals recovering from bone fractures, joint surgeries or sports accidents, and patients dealing with chronic pain in the lower back, neck, or arthritis, including those managing neurological disorders such as strokes or multiple sclerosis.
The Ministry of Health Initiatives and Statistics highlights the growing demand for physiotherapy services in Uganda. Currently, there are about 1,000 registered physiotherapists in the country, which is not enough to meet the needs of approximately two million people who could benefit from these services.
The Ministry of Health has, therefore, initiated the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan (2025/2026 to 2029/2030) to expand access to physiotherapy services and subsidize the costs of long-term care.
The initiative aims to enhance the quality of care available to individuals in need by improving access, and to ensure that more people can benefit from physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is a crucial aspect of healthcare that significantly improves the lives of individuals facing physical challenges. With insights from professionals like Michael Saawa and Mwanza Nuwagaba, it is clear that physiotherapy not only aids in recovery but also empowers individuals to live healthier, and more independent lives. The ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health further underscore the importance of expanding these vital services across Uganda.
