Preference of Electrotherapy versus Exercise Therapy in Physiotherapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: To find the preference of electrotherapy and exercise therapy in clinical physiotherapists for treatments of the patients. Method: 90 physiotherapists, selected by convenience sampling. Physiotherapists who have completed BPT and MPT course and practising in clinics and hospitals, participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants filled a Google self-designed, close-ended questionnaire of 11 items which was circulated via WhatsApp in different physiotherapist groups. Descriptive analysis was done using Microsoft excel. Results: 68% of physiotherapists use electro therapy + exercise therapy, 26% of physiotherapists use exercise therapy for treatments of patients. 38% of physiotherapists use electrotherapy in new case during initial days whereas 15% uses exercise therapy. 77% of physiotherapists uses exercise therapy for long-term effects. 66% prefer that electrotherapy have short-term effects whereas 73% of Physiotherapists prefer that exercise therapy have long-term effects. Conclusion: Physiotherapists have a perception of use of both electrotherapy modalities as well as exercise therapy in reducing their pain; electrotherapy having immediate effect and exercise therapy having sustained effect. Keywords: Electrotherapy, Exercise therapy, Physiotherapy