The manual and instrumental treatments of this specialist branch of physiotherapy have positive effects on the aesthetic aspect and not only…
Contrary to what many believe, the skin is to all intents and purposes an organ, and a rather complex one at that. It is made up of three main states: the epidermis (the outermost), the dermis and the hypodermis. The dermis, However, it constitutes a fundamental element, because it gives the skin its consistency and elasticity. To treat the aesthetic, but also physical and functional problems that afflict him, you can rely on a type of ad hoc physiotherapy: dermatofunctional physiotherapy.
How the dermis is made and what it is used for
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Born in Brazil at the end of the 90s as a treatment for scars, mastectomies and skin ulcers, but not yet widespread in Italy, dermatofunctional physiotherapy represents a specialized branch of physiotherapy whose objective is improve not only the aesthetic appearance, but above all the functionality of the dermis. This layer of the skin is a tissue that performs numerous functions. For example, it supports the upper layers and detects mechanical, thermal and painful stimuli thanks to nervous structures present in it. Furthermore, within the dermis are found the blood vessels, which have the function of transporting nutrients to the tissues and eliminating waste substances. “Other functions of this layer of the skin are regulate body temperature and to maintain the correct humidity of the skin” adds the Dr. Michela Galizzi, physiotherapist coordinator of the RAF First Clinic points in Milan and official physiotherapist of the Swiss Special Forces (KSK). Finally, in the dermis, which is to all intents and purposes one barrier which protects the body from the entry of external pathogens, there are the adipocytes, fat cells that constitute an energy reserve.
Dermatofunctional physiotherapy: what it is and when it is needed
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There are numerous areas in which the dermatofunctional physiotherapy can be helpful. It is possible to resort to this specialist branch before and after plastic and oncological surgeryfor the treatment of flaccidity, localized fat deposits and cellulite, for some lymphatic and phlebological pathologies and for rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. “Following cosmetic surgery, edema and scars are created which can be treated, at every stage, to promote healing and prevent fibrosis from forming. Even after a perfectly executed operation it is necessary reconnect the dermis with the other tissues. In such cases, this type of physiotherapy can help, in fact, to achieve the optimal result both from an aesthetic and functional point of view” underlines Dr. Galizzi.
Dermatofunctional physiotherapy is also useful for treating abdominal diastasis, which consists in the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles and which can occur following an operation in this area or following childbirth. This condition requires a medical evaluation and, if there is an indication for rehabilitation, specific treatment protocols must be followed, with the administration of exercises and manual therapies which must be based on precise timing.
because collaboration between specialists is fundamental
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In general, the objective of dermatofunctional physiotherapy is to bring the integumentary system back into balance, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, thus contributing to maintaining the person’s state of health. To achieve this result, in addition to manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, instrumental treatments can be used. For example, the radial shock waves they carry out a regenerative action and promote the formation of new blood vessels; furthermore, as they defibrotise they are useful in the presence of cellulite and fibrosis. Other instrumental therapies used by the dermatofunctional physiotherapist are cryotherapy, tecartherapyi high intensity magnetic fieldsThe ultrasoundthe micro-currentsi laser and the vibration therapies. “There are numerous tools available to dermatofunctional physiotherapy, the use of which must however be modulated based on the pathology of the individual patient. For the success of the treatment, a team work which involves, in addition to the physiotherapist, also other medical figuressuch as dermatologists, aesthetic and plastic surgeons, general surgeons and oncologists” concludes Dr. Galizzi.
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