Desk Report,
Physiotherapy is needed to reduce pain after chikungunya.
Post-chikungunya pain can last for a long time. Weekly physiotherapy is very important to reduce this pain that continues even after the disease has healed. Through this, pain, stiffness and weakness in the hands, feet and joints can be gradually reduced.
Physiotherapy is needed to reduce pain after chikungunya.
Weekly physiotherapy routine
Week 1-2 (What to do to reduce pain and stiffness)
Hot compresses two to three times a day. Apply hot compresses with hot water to the joints for 10 to 15 minutes.
If the pain is severe, you can also apply mild cold compresses. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercise (slowly). Slowly clench and unclench the fingers of the hand 10 times.
Rotate the wrist clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times.
Raise and lower the ankle 10 times.
Practice bending and straightening the knees 10 times, rest if the pain increases during this time.
Weeks 3-4 (Stretching and light strength building exercises)
Continue with the previous ROM exercises and do stretching exercises twice a day.
Slowly stretch your arms and legs, holding for 10-15 seconds.
To stretch the hamstrings, sit in a chair with your legs straight and try to touch your toes with your hands.
To stretch your shoulders, raise your hands and pull with your other hand. Do each stretch three to five times.
Weeks 5-6 (Strength building exercises for muscles and joints)
Do light resistance exercises once or twice a day.
Practice hand pulls using a rubber Theraband.
Practice pushing against the wall for your legs.
If the pain is tolerable, try walking for 20-30 minutes a day.
Post-chikungunya pain can last for a long time. Weekly physiotherapy is very important to reduce this pain that continues even after the disease has healed. Through this, pain, stiffness and weakness in the hands, feet and joints can be gradually reduced.
Weekly physiotherapy routine
Week 1-2 (What to do to reduce pain and stiffness)
Hot compresses two to three times a day. Apply hot compresses with hot water to the joints for 10 to 15 minutes.
If the pain is severe, you can also apply mild cold compresses. Range of Motion (ROM) Exercise (slowly). Slowly clench and unclench the fingers of the hand 10 times.
Rotate the wrist clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times.
Raise and lower the ankle 10 times.
Practice bending and straightening the knees 10 times, rest if the pain increases during this time.
Weeks 3-4 (Stretching and light strength building exercises)
Continue with the previous ROM exercises and do stretching exercises twice a day.
Slowly stretch your arms and legs, holding for 10-15 seconds.
To stretch the hamstrings, sit in a chair with your legs straight and try to touch your toes with your hands.
To stretch your shoulders, raise your hands and pull with your other hand. Do each stretch three to five times.
Weeks 5-6 (Strength building exercises for muscles and joints)
Do light resistance exercises once or twice a day.
Practice hand pulls using a rubber Theraband.
Practice pushing against the wall for your legs.
If the pain is tolerable, try walking for 20-30 minutes a day.
