Therapies or therapeutic interventions are treatments or techniques used to improve, manage, or alleviate physical, mental, or emotional health conditions, aiming to restore well-being and function.
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Therapies are important for people with health conditions because they help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and support recovery or long-term health maintenance.
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Explore different types of therapies offered in research-based websites such as Healthlink BC.
- Physical therapy, often guided by a physiotherapist, involves exercises and techniques to improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase strength and balance.
- Occupational therapy from a occupational therapist helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for daily activities, focusing on improving independence and quality of life.
- Massage therapy by a registered massage therapist uses manual techniques to manipulate muscles and tissues, alleviating acute and chronic pain, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
- Acupuncture by an acupuncturist involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in people with various chronic conditions.
- Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly through spinal adjustments, to relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Nutritional therapy by a dietitian involves using diet and supplements to manage health conditions, promote healing, and improve overall well-being.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaches individuals techniques such as meditation and mindfulness breathing to reduce stress, manage pain, and improve mental health in chronic illness.
- Hydrotherapy uses water-based treatments like swimming or aquatic exercises to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance rehabilitation for individuals with chronic physical conditions.
- Bio-feedback trains individuals to control physiological functions like heart rate and muscle tension to reduce stress, pain, and anxiety, often used in chronic pain management.
- Herbal therapy, usually under the direction of a naturopathic doctor, involves using plants or plant extracts to alleviate symptoms, manage chronic conditions, and support overall health.
Things You Can Do
- Talk to your physician or nurse practitioner about types of therapies that may be beneficial to alleviate your symptoms and improve your health.
- Check to see if your health benefits cover different types of therapies and for what amount.
- Inquire if you are eligible for disability benefits to cover the cost of selected therapies.
- Share with your physician or nurse practitioner any new therapies you are exploring.
- Communicate your personal boundaries regarding physical touch, personal space, and privacy with anyone providing therapies or treatments.
- Understand your rights to privacy and confidentiality regarding your health information and only share it with others you choose.
Mywell Health helps you learn about and organize your health information in one place. Add your therapy choices and any side effects to your Health Profile fillable PDF tool and record dates of therapies in your Health Calendar in My Health Information. Add any professional services to your My Health Care &Business Professionals tool found in My People.