Firstly, a physiotherapist qualified in intensive care unit rehabilitation visits you. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who treat physical disability, deformities and injuries in patients. This physiotherapist assesses some of your body functions and asks you some questions for the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. It is very important that you answer these questions honestly and without fear. You should then set the goals of treatment with the physiotherapist. Short-term and long-term goals based on your wishes and needs should be set. In some patients, speech and consciousness functions may be affected. In such cases, families are included in this process. After that, the process of treatment begins.
Physiotherapists can use many techniques based on the patient's assessment results and needs.
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) is one method to aid you to clear sputum from your lungs.
Mobilisation (movement) is a technique that ensures the development of air volume in your lungs and the maintenance of your muscle strength and joint motion.
Electrical stimulation could be used to maintain your muscle power. In this technique, electrical impulses are sent to the skin via a device for muscle activation.
Positioning in bed is a way to facilitate enhanced lung functions.
Manual techniques can be applied by the therapist on your chest to help clear sputum and to improve your lung functions.
Suctioning is a way where a tube is inserted in your lungs to remove sputum.
Exercise includes activities such as:
• supported sitting on the edge of the bed
• using a pedal in your chair or in your bed • weights • standing and walking practice to increase physical functions. If you are not strong enough to stand and walk, machines that can help you with movement can be used.
The types, intensity and frequency of treatment methods vary according to the physical and mental status of the patient. Your physiotherapist will provide this information to you. Also, how these exercises should be performed will be demonstrated before the treatment. During the treatment, you can discuss your concerns and demands with your physiotherapist.
You have to keep fighting to be happier, healthier, stronger and recovered! It is worth it.
References
GOSSELINK, R., BOTT, J., JOHNSON, M., DEAN, E., NAVA, S., NORRENBERG, M., SCHÖNHOFER, B., STILLER, K., VAN DE LEUR, H. & VINCENT, J. L. 2008. Physiotherapy for adult patients with critical illness: recommendations of the European Respiratory Society and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine Task Force on physiotherapy for critically ill patients. Intensive care medicine, 34, 1188-1199.
MENDEZ-TELLEZ, P. A. & NEEDHAM, D. M. 2012. Early physical rehabilitation in the ICU and ventilator liberation. Respiratory Care, 57, 1663-1669.
STILLER, K. 2013. Physiotherapy in intensive care: an updated systematic review. Chest, 144, 825-847.