Physiotherapy Interventions in HIV
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Original Editor - Niha Mulla
Top Contributors - Niha Mulla, Vidya Acharya, Oyemi Sillo and Giulia Neculaes
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Physiotherapeutic interventions with exercises and manual therapy as a complimentary treatment for people living with HIV is highly beneficial as physiotherapy plays a vital role in optimization of life, in patients living with HIV. As HIV lead to AIDS, due to which the defense mechanism of the body fails step-by-step, physiotherapy and rehabilitation play a major role to maintain physical, mental and social health. HIV patients have been living longer since past three decades as 50% of HIV patients have access to Antiretroviral Therapy. This means people with HIV are aging leading to increased number of co-morbidities. As Antiretroviral Therapy adds the valuable years to the life of these patients, it is vital to add life to these years via physical therapy and rehabilitation. [1][2]
Due to multi system pathology of the disease, most HIV/AIDS patients have prolonged hospital stays that raise the chances of complications like muscle wasting, joint stiffness, contractures, reduced lung capacities, pressure sores, etc. which show beyond doubt that physiotherapy interventions are much needed. [3]
Physiotherapy in Acute Stage[edit | edit source]
- Clear chest secretions[3]
- Eliminate shortness of breadth [2]
- Work on cardiopulmonary fitness [2]
- Maintain normal Joint range of motion[3]
- Postural correction to avoid pain and deformities[3]
Physiotherapy in Chronic Stage[edit | edit source]
- Strengthening and resistive exercises to prevent/cure muscle weakness and wasting[2]
- Improve neurological balance [2]
- Maintain circulation to the limbs with active and passive exercises and mobility training[3]
- Stretch to prevent contractures. [3]
- Pain Management[3]
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation is a key to independence for any patient in long term care. It helps prevent, delay or cure complications and lead an independent, pain free life.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Brown D. HIV – what has physiotherapy and rehabilitation got to do with it? Physiospot. 2017 Available from: https://www.physiospot.com/opinion/hiv-what-has-physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation-got-to-do-with-it/#author
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Pullen SD, Chigbo NN, Nwigwe EC, Chukwuka CJ, Amah CC, Idu SC. Physiotherapy intervention as a complementary treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. Hiv/aids (Auckland, NZ). 2014;6:99.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Simfukwe P. The role of physiotherapy in people living with HIV/AIDS. Health Department, Republic of South Africa. Available from: https://www.kznhealth.gov.za/physio_hivaids.pdf
