Physical Therapy

The teaching of physical curative therapies encompasses physical medicine, physical therapy and physiotherapy. These terms have the same etymological root, which comes from the Greek word ‘physis’, meaning nature.

Activating self-healing abilities

The means and methods of activating self-healing abilities are predominantly physical in nature. They have a supportive effect and increase the patient’s resources for recovery. As such, it is necessary to integrate physical therapy into the overall treatment concept, especially if the focus is on surgical or medicinal measures, although these alone may not result in treatment success (cf. Wiedemann, Ernst: Physikalische Therapie. Grundlagen-Methoden-Anwendung. de Gruyter, Berlin).

A wide range of treatments

At the SPC, Physical Therapy is a standalone area within Physiotherapy and comprises a wide range of methods. Conventional physical therapy is understood as treatment methods that act on the body using physical laws, e.g. through the application of heat, light, force, electricity and magnetic fields, balneotherapy and hydrotherapy. In addition to these traditional treatments, other special therapies have since become established based on positive experience.

The treatments offered at the Swiss Paraplegic Centre (SPC), comprising traditional and special physical therapies, represent a significant expansion of the programme of complementary therapies, which are greatly appreciated and widely used by many patients. These therapies are offered exclusively to inpatients.

Range of treatments
Acupuncture massage: meridian and acupuncture stimulation with a metal “pen” tool, tension-relieving massage, static energy manual therapy on the pelvis, spine and peripheral joints
Connective tissue massage: manual stimulation therapy using various skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia techniques

Colon therapy/colon massage: stimulation of the ascending/transverse/descending colon and abdomen
Craniosacral therapy: a manual technique originating in osteopathy involving structure work and visceral techniques.
Classic massage: mechanical, usually manual manipulation of the skin, deeper tissue structures and muscles using various techniques, such as kneading, stroking, rubbing, vibration and tapping
Manual lymphatic drainage and complex decongestive therapy: treatment of lymphoedema consisting of various components, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, movement exercises, positioning, skin care

Myofascial trigger point treatment: treatment of specific points in painful and stiff muscle structures
Scar treatment: depending on the type of scar, we offer various methods of scar treatment, both on a subtle energy level and a physical level
Ear reflex zone check: interference fields in parts of the body can be targeted based on the understanding that the entire body is represented by zones in the ear

Progressive muscle relaxation (individual and group work): a method of relaxing muscles and muscle groups; intentional tensing and relaxing leads to deep relaxation of the whole body
Hand reflexology: stimulation of reflex zones on the hand to target organs, muscles, the spine, peripheral joints and the autonomic nervous system
Foot reflexology: stimulation of reflex zones on the foot to target organs, muscles, the spine, peripheral joints and the autonomic nervous system
Ear reflexology: stimulation of reflex zones on the ear to target organs, muscles, the spine, peripheral joints and the autonomic nervous system
Tension-relieving massage: full-surface massage of body regions to harmonise the meridian system
Somatic therapy: therapeutic method for processing and relieving shock and trauma at all levels

Tellington TTouch for You: gentle bodywork with various grip techniques that uses intuition to activate the original potential of your cells
Thermotherapy: various applications of heat and cold
Ultrasound: an electrotherapy treatment that has an analgesic, hyperaemic and muscle-relaxing effect
Complement to physical therapy: aromatherapy