By Franca Ofili
FCT chapter of Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) on Saturday in Abuja carried out free medical outreach on 100 traders at Garki International Market.
Dr Ijeoma Obiajunwa, a physiotherapist with Alliance Hospital, said that the society was commemorating the 2024 World Physiotherapy Day (WPD), which is annually marked on Sept. 8.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the focus of the global observance day this year is Low Back Pain (LBP) and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.
Obiajunwa, therefore, said that the society carried out the outreach awareness on low back pain with the theme “Role of Physiotherapy in the Management of Low Back Pain.”
She added that “this year, we are looking at back pain especially among traders. We need to educate them on how to manage back and body pains when it occurs.
“We want them to know how to take care of their back, what to do when they have issues with their back. We are concentrating on back pain this year.”
According to her, any case that cannot be handled during the outreach will be referred to any of the general hospitals closest to them.
She advised that people should always seek for the services of a physiotherapist for better management.
Obiajunwa said that back pain can be managed if one properly follow the instructions of a physiotherapist
“And if you already have back pain, it can be managed, it is manageable by a physiotherapist.
“Simple tips, avoid carrying heavy objects on one side. Balance your weight on two sides.
“Even if you are carrying weight, come closer to where you want to lift. Bend your knees. Don’t bend your back.
“How is your bed, the mattress you are lying on. If your mattress is too soft and you are already 40 and above, it may not be too good for you, get something that will not sink your body when you lie on it,” she said.
Another member, Chijioke Otikpa, advised that people should always seek the services of a physiotherapist to address problems on time.
“We try to let people know when they should see a physiotherapist because we usually have issues with delayed referrals.
“When referred early, patients get better management.”
NAN reports that the traders were given some medications and taught how to make use of them, while the traders thanked the group for the outreach. (NAN)