Physiotherapy

Profile

The Physiotherapy Department of Larnaca General Hospital is located in the new wing of the Hospital, covering an area of approximately 1200 square metres. The Department provides inpatient therapy services in the wards and in the Intensive Care Unit.

Therapies are offered for musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory conditions, as well as outpatient therapy for chronic patients.

The Department supports almost all medical specialties providing comprehensive patient care.

Specialised physiotherapy techniques are applied, such as the McKenzie method, lymphatic massage, and acupuncture.

The Electrotherapy Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments that are used to relieve the patient’s pain and improve their quality of life.

Therapeutic treatments are provided for:

-Cervical Syndrome

-Lumbago-Sciatica

-Shoulder Epicondylitis

-Meniscus and Knee Ligament Tears (conservative treatment + postoperative rehabilitation)

-Knee Osteoarthritis

-Postoperative rehabilitation of total hip and knee arthroplasty

-Plantar Fasciitis (heel spurs)

-Rheumatological conditions

-Oncological cases

-Cardiac surgery interventions

-Lymphedema

-Cerebrovascular stroke

-Parkinson’s Disease

-Multiple Sclerosis

-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

-Stumps

The department also treats Paediatric cases, such as hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, brain paralysis, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, obstetric paralysis, various syndromes etc.

Assessments for wheelchairs and disability aids are conducted.

The Department features one of the largest heated pools, which is utilised by all patients. The pool features a hydrotherapy module and reverse swimming, and it is accessible with a wheelchair and a ramp mounted special pool bed which is provided by the Department.

Our department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to address even the most challenging conditions through physiotherapeutic interventions.

Specifically, the Department offers:

Posturography: Digital dynamic balance platform for evaluating and retraining patients’ balance. It is mainly used for patients with cerebrovascular incidents, spinal cord diseases and injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is an innovative method for treating musculoskeletal disorders with excellent results. It provides treatment for inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, even for those located deep beneath the skin. Patients usually notice an improvement from the very first therapy session.

Shockwave Therapy: This device emits precise shockwaves for targeted conditions such as muscle calcifications (e.g., heel spurs), tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, trigger points, and plantar neuritis.

Diathermy: This method aims to induce heat in deeper tissues using high-frequency electrical and electromagnetic energy, converted into heat within the body.

Thermal Packs: This is a superficial therapy lasting 15-20 minutes. The temperature of the thermal packs is maintained at 76°C in a specialised device.

Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy is used in a wide range of physiotherapy conditions. Typical ultrasound waves used in physiotherapy are characterised by vibrations with a frequency above 20kHz.

Cold Packs: Cold therapy involves the use of cold packs to achieve localised cooling. The therapy duration typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.

Electrotherapy: Various machines are used in electrotherapy, such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), diadynamic currents, and interferential currents etc. such that the electrical energy is utilised for therapeutic purposes and benefits.

Whirlpool Hydrotherapy: Whirlpool hydrotherapy is a method that utilises the water’s temperature, pressure and flow to prepare the patient for kinesiotherapy.

Paraffin Bath: The paraffin bath, also known as wax therapy, prepares patients for kinesiotherapy. The typical application time is 20-30 minutes.

Shoulder + Elbow CPM (Continuous Passive Motion): Passive mobilisation of the shoulder or elbow. This physiotherapeutic treatment is very useful for postoperative treatment of shoulders and elbows, as well as stiff shoulders and elbows recovering from fractures.

Knee CPM (Continuous Passive Motion): Passive mobilisation of the knee following surgical interventions, such as total knee arthroplasty, ligament reconstructions, etc.

Red Cord: Red Cord or Neurac Method is an integrated method for evaluating and treating musculoskeletal disorders, proven to have a positive impact on various musculoskeletal conditions. The method retrains the neuromuscular system with the goal of reactivating and ultimately recovering the normal function of deactivated muscles. Ultimately this results in a dramatic reduction in pain and leads to significantly better therapeutic outcomes.

Magnetic Therapy: Magnetic therapy is a safe, painless, and effective physiotherapeutic method. Among others, the benefits of magnetic therapy include improved blood circulation and increased collagen synthesis. It is used for the treatment of acute and chronic injuries, rheumatic conditions, joint disorders, fractures and osteoporosis while it contributes to the reduction of inflammation or swellings, boosting of the immune system and restoring dysfunctions of the central nervous system.

TECAR: It involves the generation of high-frequency electromagnetic energy that is transmitted through the tissues, inducing heat at deep layers beneath the skin. It leads to muscle relaxation, reduction of lymphedema, reduction of swelling, and treatment of venous ulcers.

Body and Upper and Lower Limb Strengthening Machines, as well as treadmills and pedal retraining devices are used to assist patients with problems in the ankles, knees, and hips. Blood flow restriction training is also employed.

TRX: TRX suspension training is a specialised method that contributes to the development of muscular strength, power, endurance while improving the body balance and core stability. To this effect, the method utilises special straps and handles and the proper body positioning of the participant.

The physiotherapists at our department are glad to be in position to offer, with the support of the SHSO, their therapeutic and scientific expertise to assist any fellow citizen in need.