If “weight loss” has always been difficult and never successful, leading you to consider the last resort, which is “gastric surgery”, the word surgery itself sounds like a big deal and hard to accept. So, let’s get to know another option that might help reduce weight and prevent the need for surgery, which is physical therapy that might help make your weight loss journey successful.
Physical Therapy… A Treatment That May Not Just Be an Option
Physical therapy is an alternative medical approach related to health care in terms of promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental health using scientific methods for patients of all ages and genders. Physical therapy is divided into 5 systems for patients: musculoskeletal system, nervous system, pulmonary and thoracic system, pediatric, and sports. “For those with obesity problems, physical therapy patients often face physical obstacles such as knee pain, ankle pain, or pain in various joints, making it difficult to exercise for weight loss. Even chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high blood lipids can cause unstable blood pressure and heart rate, increasing risks during exercise. Therefore, physical therapy divides care for obese patients into 2 types: non-gastric surgery and gastric surgery.
Non-gastric surgery means that when the doctor evaluates and examines the patient and finds no need for gastric surgery, or the patient does not want surgery and chooses to take care of themselves before reconsidering surgery, physical therapy will conduct assessments such as weighing, measuring muscle mass, fat mass, body proportions, metabolism rate, chronic diseases, calculating the appropriate heart rate for each patient, and assessing physical injuries. Then, a plan and goals are set together between the physical therapist and the patient, such as wanting to lose weight, increase muscle, or improve flexibility. The program duration is set for 3 months, with monthly evaluations by the doctor and biweekly assessments by the physical therapist to adjust the exercise program for better effectiveness.
Gastric surgery means that when the doctor evaluates and examines the patient and determines that gastric surgery is necessary, or the patient wants surgery, physical therapy will provide information about pre- and post-operative care to promote movement and mobility as soon as possible according to gastric surgery principles, such as breathing exercises, turning over, sitting up, standing, walking, and possible post-surgery conditions.
Care from the Physical Therapy Team
The physical therapy team specializes in movement and exercise and can design exercise programs suitable for each patient. They also hold meetings and consultations with the attending physician and multidisciplinary team to find the best treatment approach and set goals together with the patient because we want obese patients to have better and sustainable health and quality of life.
