NUHR Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a central component of modern medicine. It uses natural stimuli such as heat, cold, water, light or electrical impulses to activate the body’s own healing processes. This improves blood circulation, strengthens the muscles and supports tissue regeneration.

In addition to these physical applications, exercise is also important. Targeted active and passive exercises promote mobility, train coordination and stabilize the joints. In combination with manual techniques such as mobilization, stretching or massage, pain can be reduced, incorrect posture corrected and body awareness improved.

How does physical therapy affect the body?

The effect of physical therapy is based on the interaction of various stimuli and forms of movement that have a targeted effect on the body. Heat relaxes tense muscles, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. Cold has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect, while electrical stimuli can activate the muscles and improve nerve conductivity.

Muscle strength and joint function are rebuilt through movement and targeted exercises. The interaction of muscle groups is harmonized and the body gains stability and balance. The active cooperation of the patient is particularly important: Regular exercise can ensure long-term treatment success.

What is the difference to occupational therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on the body itself. Its aim is to treat or prevent movement and functional disorders. The focus is on muscles, joints, tendons and nerves.

Occupational therapy, on the other hand, takes an action-oriented approach. It looks at the person as a whole and includes psychological and social factors as well as physical limitations. The aim is to promote independence in everyday life. This is done by training everyday activities, practicing motor and cognitive skills or adapting the living and working environment.

The two disciplines complement each other perfectly: while physical therapy improves movement functions, occupational therapy helps people to use them again in everyday life. At the Nuhr Medical Center, both areas work closely together when this makes medical sense, for example after strokes, operations or neurological illnesses.

When is physical therapy useful?

Physical therapy can be used in different phases of an illness or recovery. It is effective for both acute and chronic complaints and can help to reduce pain, promote mobility and maintain independence.

Common areas of application are

• After operations, for example on joints, muscles or the spine, to restore mobility and prevent adhesions in the tissue.
• After injuries or accidents, to strengthen muscles, tendons and joints and compensate for incorrect strain.
• For chronic pain, especially in the back, neck or shoulder area, if there are muscular imbalances or poor posture.
• For degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc problems, to improve the function of the affected structures.
• For neurological disorders, such as after a stroke or Parkinson’s disease, to train movement sequences and promote coordination.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, physical therapies are offered both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. This allows individual adaptation to the patient’s state of health and needs. Some treatments take place daily, others at longer intervals, depending on the goals to be achieved.

What is the aim of physical therapy?

The aim of physical therapy is to promote the body’s natural healing processes and improve mobility. The focus here is on several aspects:

• Pain relief and relaxation of the muscles
• Improve mobility, strength and coordination
• Restoration of functional everyday movements
• Stabilization and prevention of further complaints

How does physical therapy work?

We always start with a detailed medical examination. Your symptoms, state of health and previous therapies are discussed. The team of doctors and therapists will then draw up an individual treatment plan that includes both active and passive measures.

In the initial phase, the focus is often on pain relief. Heat or cold applications, electrotherapy or ultrasound therapy can be used for this purpose. These measures promote blood circulation, relieve muscle tension and prepare the body for active movement exercises.

This is followed by active therapy. It includes strengthening, stretching and mobilization exercises. Depending on requirements, equipment, water treatments or manual techniques are also used. The aim is to return the body to a natural movement pattern and correct incorrect posture.

At the end of each treatment session, there is a short debriefing. This is where we check how you have responded to the therapy and whether any adjustments need to be made. At the end of the entire therapy cycle, you will receive recommendations on how you can further consolidate the progress you have made in everyday life, for example through targeted home exercises or an adapted exercise program.

Which methods are used in physical therapy?

Physical therapy offers a wide range of treatment options that can be combined depending on the symptoms.

Movement therapy

Movement is the basis of all physical therapy. Targeted active and passive exercises mobilize joints, strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Regular exercise sessions promote blood circulation and help to correct poor posture. Under therapeutic guidance, patients learn to improve their movement patterns and put more weight on their bodies.

Therapeutic gymnastics

Therapeutic gymnastics is a central component of exercise therapy. It comprises specially tailored exercises that promote strength, endurance and mobility. It is not about athletic performance, but about targeted movements that release tension, improve posture and gradually increase physical resilience.

Extension therapy

This method uses gentle pulling and stretching techniques to relieve pressure on the spine or joints. The treatment can provide noticeable relief, particularly for disc problems or chronic back pain. The stretching reduces the pressure on nerves and intervertebral discs, which relieves pain and improves mobility.

Electrotherapy

Muscles and nerves can be specifically stimulated with electrical impulses. These applications promote healing, stimulate blood circulation and have a pain-relieving effect. A special form of electrotherapy is arsonvalization according to Dr. Nuhr, in which high-frequency currents are used. They support tissue regeneration, loosen tense muscles and improve the oxygen supply to the cells.

Thermotherapy

Heat and cold applications are among the oldest and most effective methods of physical medicine. Heat relaxes the muscles, stimulates blood circulation and relieves pain. Cold has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect – ideal for acute complaints. The right type of temperature is always chosen based on a doctor’s assessment.

Hydrotherapy

Exercising in water is a particularly gentle form of exercise. The buoyancy relieves the joints, while the water resistance simultaneously strengthens the muscles. This makes this therapy particularly suitable for people with joint pain, obesity or limited mobility.

Massage therapy

Targeted massage techniques are used to release tension, stimulate blood circulation and support tissue regeneration. In addition to classic massage, connective tissue and reflexology massages as well as special techniques for treating the fasciae are also used.

Manual regulation therapy according to Dr. Nuhr

This method is based on a holistic approach. Blockages in the musculoskeletal system are released, joints are mobilized and muscles are relaxed using precise hand movements. The aim is to restore the body’s natural balance and improve freedom of movement. The method also strengthens body awareness and contributes significantly to pain relief.

Munari therapy

Munari therapy is a special manual technique for treating the fascia – the fine connective tissue structures that surround muscles and organs. Stuck or hardened fascia can cause pain and restrict mobility. Tension is released and the elasticity of the tissue is restored through targeted, deep movements.

Laser and ultrasound therapy

Both procedures target deeper tissue and stimulate the body’s own healing processes. Laser light stimulates cell regeneration and can reduce inflammation, while ultrasound waves promote blood circulation and relieve pain. A newer method is low-level area laser treatment, which is applied to large areas. It supports the healing of inflammation, promotes regeneration and contributes to rapid pain relief.

Do health insurance companies cover the costs of physical therapy?

The assumption of costs in Austria depends on the respective health insurance company. At the Nuhr Medical Center, we will discuss this point with you during the initial consultation.

Some insurance providers, such as BVAEB, SVS-LW and SVS-GW, allow partial direct billing of prescribed therapies. Other health insurance companies reimburse the costs upon presentation of the invoice.

If physical therapy is provided as part of an inpatient stay at Reha Zentrum Österreich, social insurance providers generally cover the treatment costs in full or with a small deductible. We support you in clarifying the assumption of costs and in all administrative steps.