Improving the health of people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system through physical therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of physical therapy in improving the health of patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The research, conducted in 2022-2024, involved 105 patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Research methods were bibliosemantic, medical and sociological, and statistical. RESULTS: Results: It has been found that only 24.8 % of the patients engage in physical activity daily to maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system, 24.8 % rarely, and 14.3 % do not engage at all. It has been found that among the physical therapy means used by the patients to maintain the health of their musculoskeletal system are exercise machines - 32.4 %, therapeutic physical education - 26.7 %, therapeutic massage - 16.2 %, and yoga - 8.6 %. The patients rarely use manual therapy (7.6 %) and Kinesio taping (5.7 %). Factors limiting access to physical therapy means for the patients in their region include a lack of reliable information about the availability and affordability of physical therapy means - 48.6 %, financial difficulties - 30.4 %, and remoteness of healthcare facilities - 8.6 %. 96.2 % of the patients indicated they needed advice and information on physical therapy to strengthen their musculoskeletal system. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Effective ways to increase the use of physical therapy for patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system include intensifying the information campaign on therapeutic exercise and other physical therapy means in the media, expanding the network of rehabilitation facilities, and reducing the cost of rehabilitation services.