Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 1-2e/2017

Physiotherapy in palliative care

Palliative care is provided to a person who is suffering from an advanced or terminal illness. Its goal is to alleviate pain, shortness of breath and other physical and mental hardships, maintain patient dignity, provide support to loved ones and maintain the highest possible quality of life for the patient until his death. Palliative care includes medical care provided by a doctor (diagnosis and treatment), nursing care, rehabilitation, psychological care, spiritual support, and more. The aim of this article was to gain insight into palliative care from the point of view of a physiotherapist. Described studies indicate the need for a physiotherapist to participate in palliative care. The most common physiotherapeutic methods are motion therapy, electrotherapy for pain relief and respiratory physiotherapy.

Keywords: palliative care, physiotherapy, pain