The physiotherapist is a great support in the evaluation and treatment of persons with mental illness.

Madrid, October 2011.- Mental disorder directly affects the physical condition of the person, so the physical therapist provides, within the multidisciplinary team, a great support ” in the evaluation and treatment of patients with mental illness. Thus has highlighted it the Vice-Secretary of the General Council of physiotherapists schools of Spain (CGCFE), Almansa Núñez, on the occasion of the celebration of World Mental health day.

Mental disorders have been recognized by the World Health Organization (who) as one of the chronic problems more common in the majority of developed societies.

In this sense, Núñez has ensured that Mental health is one of the many fields in which physiotherapy is present. Thus, the physical therapist uses a large number of techniques aimed at improving symptoms and quality of life, as well as the autonomy of those who suffer from mental disorders.

These disorders, as explained by the Deputy of the Council, often accompanied by physical symptoms, so a physical therapeutic intervention impact directly on the mental condition of the patient.

The role of the physiotherapist in this area, pointed out Núñez, it includes the evaluation and treatment of patients with pain, dementia, Parkinson, anxiety and depression, disorders of personality, eating disorders, additions and brain injury, among others.

The intervention of the professional will include both preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the condition of the patient. With regard to evaluation, physical therapist will evaluate mobility, functionality, memory, language, balance and coordination, as well as autonomy, body and sensory perception, pain, muscle tension, alterations in behavior, motor and cognitive status, etc.

In regard to the processing, the work of the physiotherapist covers physical activity, exercise, work of balance, coordination, postural reeducation, relaxation, postural awareness, psychomotor therapy, multisensory stimulation, and ergonomics, among others.

Núñez pointed out that the figure of the physiotherapist in mental health teams is uncommon even in Spain, while in most European countries their presence is a reality.

CGCFE

The General Council of physiotherapists schools of Spain (CGCFE) is the body that represents more than 40,000 physiotherapists, in Spain, dealing with the common goal of promoting the health of citizens. In addition, orders the profession, guardianship the interests of physiotherapy, as well as its optimal implementation and universalization.

Physiotherapists are health professionals, as foreseen in existing legislation, accredited with the University degree in physical therapy, taught at 43 universities and holders of knowledge and skills designed to benefit the health of the population. Furthermore, there is a greater number of doctorates and masters, to ensure their high qualification.