Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a branch of medicine involving the therapeutic and prophylactic used of physical treatment (exercise, massage, manipulation, application of heat, light, cold, electricity) to correct some bodily disfunction. Kinesiotherapy uses similar methods, but the aim here is not simply to correct or treat physical problems but, by correcting misuse of the body, to train the individual to use the body so as to improve the mental faculties, reduce stress and avoid fatigue and tension. Also possible to include under this heading are a variety of physical process techniques, such as the external use of herbs, poultices, baths (hot, cold, steam), fumigation, fasting, acupuncture and even the treatment of mental illness by diet and rest.