What Are the Different Types of Therapeutic Services?

Therapeutic services may include any type of assistance that benefits the mind or body. One of the most common types of therapeutic services is therapeutic counseling with a professional psychotherapist. When a person is under physical or emotional stress, he may benefit from massage therapy designed to promote relaxation or physical healing. Therapeutic treatments may also include occupational and physical therapy, which are meant to aid people with disabilities or injuries.

Physiotherapy may include anything from acupuncture to muscle-strengthening exercises. These techniques are meant to alleviate pain and improve range of motion to joints. A patient with a sports injury of the wrist, arm, shoulder, or leg may use exercise equipment such as bicycles and medicine balls as part of therapy to improve his condition. Many patients with back or spinal injuries often receive hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is a technique that involves the use of warm water, often with ultrasonic bubble massage.

Some physical therapeutic services involve manual manipulation. This may be done in conjunction with acupuncture. There is controversy surrounding the manipulation therapy technique, however, due to the physical force that is exerted. If not performed correctly, there is a risk of further injury to the patient. Patients with certain injuries may not be recommended for this procedure.

Individuals with emotional problems or psychological disturbances may benefit from various therapeutic services. Psychotherapy generally involves counseling with a certified therapist. Counseling sessions may be conducted one on one or as part of group therapy. Individual counseling is conducted in confidential sessions between the therapist and client. Group therapy typically involves sessions with several patients who share similar issues, such as dealing with grief or depression.

In some cases, therapeutic services may include behavioral therapy techniques. Behavioral therapy is targeted for adults and children with certain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or an eating disorder. By learning to modify one's behavior or impulses through specialized training techniques, a patient may be able to control his symptoms.

Another type of therapeutic service is hypnosis. This therapy is generally referred to as hypnotherapy and is conducted under the supervision of a trained hypnotist. The goal of hypnotherapy is to promote deep concentration by placing the client into a trance. During hypnosis, the subject may lose inhibitions and become willing to discuss innermost feelings he may have been reluctant to share previously. A variation of hypnotherapy known as suggestion therapy frees the subconscious mind, allowing the subject to be open to self persuasion.