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What Are Therapeutic Interventions?

Sandra Koehler
Sandra Koehler

The human body, though proficient and efficient in its role of managing numerous complicated systems at one time, can run into trouble every now and again. Internal and external forces are constantly demanding the body to react and respond to changes opening up the chances for problems like injuries and diseases which can alter, slow or halt normal body functioning. Therapeutic interventions are various methods utilized to increase the body’s ability to work at normal capacity.

Ranging from medication protocols to rehabilitation methodologies to medical procedures, therapeutic interventions help the body overcome those medical problems causing deficiencies in bodily operations. Much like trying to figure out why a car has smoke coming out from under the hood, therapeutic interventions begin with an analysis of the problems inhibiting the body which leads to the diagnosis, or the medical condition causing difficulties in the way the body performs. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment options, or the therapeutic interventions required to help aid in the healing process and get the body back on track are evaluated and put into action.

Physical therapy is one form of therapeutic intervention.
Physical therapy is one form of therapeutic intervention.

When the body sustains an injury, such as a muscle strain, in which there is damage to muscles or tendons, the body reacts by initiating the inflammation process. This causes pain, swelling and redness in the area and inhibits the involved body part from functioning normally. The therapeutic interventions for a muscle strain include rest, ice and compression initially to reduce swelling, followed by a slow return to normal activities. Depending on the severity of the strain, physical therapy may be required to aid in pain management and the recovery of the strength and flexibility of the muscles involved. If the damage is extensive or severe, medical procedures such as repairing the muscle may be considered as a part of the therapeutic interventions utilized to regain optimal functioning.

Therapeutic interventions for cancer may include chemotherapy to help eradicate abnormal cells.
Therapeutic interventions for cancer may include chemotherapy to help eradicate abnormal cells.

If the body’s performance is inhibited by an illness or disease process, the therapeutic interventions required to restore homeostasis, or the body’s internal balance, may involve a more complicated therapy plan. When cancer strikes the body, for example, therapeutic interventions can range widely from surgical techniques to radiation or chemotherapy, a drug program designed to eradicate the abnormal cells. If the ailment is chronic or recurring, therapy can include treatment measures created to enhance both the internal workings of the body systems and the ability of the body to move appropriately.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@candyquilt-- They are if the vaccines are used to treat a condition after it has developed. But the vaccines used to prevent illness (like the seasonal flu vaccine) are not therapeutic interventions. Therapy is about treatment, not prevention.

I actually think that doctors have poor observation skills and sometimes, therapeutic interventions come late as a result. For example, I had a thyroid disorder some time ago and my doctor never saw the signs. I had weight gain, depression, hair loss. Only after a blood test which I insisted upon was I diagnosed.

It's kind of sad considering that I could have been treated much earlier if only my doctor understood my symptoms and joined the dots. I'm sure there are brilliant doctors out there. Mine is not one of them.

candyquilt

Are vaccines therapeutic interventions? Can I categorize them that way?

turquoise

I have a muscle strain in my wrist. Just as the article described, the doctor prescribed ice, rest and said I can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if I need to. They did take an x-ray first to make sure that there wasn't any other kind of injury. I had told them that I didn't fall or hit something, but I guess they wanted to make sure. Anyway, I'm feeling a little better now. I'm wearing a splint because moving my hand and wrist causes more pain.

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    • Physical therapy is one form of therapeutic intervention.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Physical therapy is one form of therapeutic intervention.
    • Therapeutic interventions for cancer may include chemotherapy to help eradicate abnormal cells.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Therapeutic interventions for cancer may include chemotherapy to help eradicate abnormal cells.
    • Radiation therapy can be an example of therapeutic intervention.
      By: jovannig
      Radiation therapy can be an example of therapeutic intervention.
    • Therapeutic interventions may involve surgery.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Therapeutic interventions may involve surgery.
    • Therapeutic interventions for a muscle strain may include ice packs to reduce swelling.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Therapeutic interventions for a muscle strain may include ice packs to reduce swelling.
    • Therapeutic interventions can help people recover from a serious injury.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Therapeutic interventions can help people recover from a serious injury.