The definition of disability is a complex and evolving issue. The term "disability" covers a wide range and degree of conditions. What is disability? Disability may be present at birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time due to illness. A disabled person is someone who, due to a physical, mental, psychological or combined injury, causes a continuous and significant disturbance in his general health and efficiency, so as to reduce the individual's independence in social and economic fields. Types of disabilities There are different types of disabilities such as intellectual, physical, sensory and mental illnesses: Intellectual disability: The characteristic of intellectual disability is a person who has an IQ below 70, while the average IQ of a healthy person is 100, and also has significant problems in daily life such as self-care, safety, communication and socialization. People with intellectual disabilities may process information more slowly, find communication and daily life skills more difficult, and may not relate to abstract concepts such as money and time. Physical disability: Physical disabilities may temporarily or permanently affect a person's physical and motor performance. There are many causes of physical disabilities, but the most common ones can include hereditary or genetic disorders, serious illnesses, and injuries. Mental illness: Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses that significantly affect a person's feelings, thoughts, behavior and interactions with other people. Mental illness can be very difficult and debilitating for those who experience it, as well as their family and friends. Sensory disability: Sensory disability is the disability of the five senses. Since 95% of the information in the world around us comes from our sight and hearing, sensory disability can affect the way we gather information from the world around us and disrupt communication with others. How can physical therapy help people with disabilities? Physical therapy can help assess, treat, and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders. Physical therapists work with people of all ages who need support to improve their strength, mobility, and flexibility so they can reach their goals. It can be a common misconception that physical therapy is only useful for people recovering from an illness or injury. Caring for a person with a physical disability is a challenging responsibility, especially if caregivers and families lack the necessary expertise and experience. Visiting a physiotherapist not only speeds up the client's rehabilitation, but also helps the family gain sufficient knowledge and better understanding of the condition. Let's take a look at the different ways physical therapists can help support and improve your loved one's quality of life. Physiotherapy is also ideal for supporting people with disabilities who are interested in participating in daily physical activities. For example, people with autism or psychosocial or psychomotor disabilities can benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists can help a child with autism ride a bike and have a positive impact on their ability to socialize with others, make friends, and even engage in healthy exercise. The role of physiotherapist in helping people with disabilities A person with a disability may have unique mobility needs. There are different types of disabilities and according to their type, different physiotherapy methods are prescribed. A physical therapist can greatly help a person with mobility problems and pain related to their disabilities by: Improve body posture Nothing is more effective than physical therapy in correcting and balancing body posture. Back pain, spine dysfunction and joint degeneration are all consequences of poor body posture. Physiotherapists combine hands-on therapy with exercises to help release tight, tight muscles, as well as strengthen the muscles that support the spine to help align the body. Restoring balance and strength Physiotherapists can diagnose the causes of balance or nervous problems of a disabled person and help to treat it. They teach some physical exercises and active movement techniques to the disabled person to improve his balance and physical strength. Development of motor skills If a disabled person is slow to function in motor skills, physical therapy is an excellent option for treatment and control. These motor delays can be due to congenital conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental disability or muscular dystrophy. Adults may also have these disorders due to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or stroke. Management of musculoskeletal problems Musculoskeletal problems can affect almost any part of the body, including the back, neck, arms, hands, and legs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and sciatica are some examples of these problems. Improper lifting of heavy objects, repetitive strain, injuries or other injuries can all contribute to these problems. It is very important to start physical therapy for a disabled person or a person with a mental-motor disability that has the possibility of growth and improvement of the condition. Who refer to the physiotherapist under what conditions? A physical therapist works with the disabled person to develop a program that restores the person's functional ability and mobility as much as possible. Clients of any age with movement and functional disorders caused by the following conditions can benefit from the expertise of a physiotherapist: Physical or mental disability injuries old age Weight issues disease Physiotherapist treatment methods include the following: Physical rehabilitation using exercise Manual therapy and massage Stimulating devices or assistive technologies Patient education Disability support can make a significant difference to the lives of people with disabilities and help them live independently and safely in their own homes. In other words, by helping weak or disabled people, physiotherapists improve movement status, control pain and prevent disease progression, and help patients of any age feel better and experience a healthier life. Mana Physiotherapy is ready to provide the best services in the fields of physical and motor disabilities.