The Physiotherapy work with Hansen’s Disease Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hansen’s disease is an infectious and contagious disease than can affect both men and women, with wide incidence in Brazil. Such illness attacks mainly the skin, the peripheral nerves of the musculoskeletal system and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Despite its wide incidence, there are not many papers in literature that cover the role of physiotherapy regarding Hansen’s disease patients, and it is possible to notice a lack of pattern in the techniques and resources that shall be used during the treatment. Objective: Define the physiotherapy performance in Hansen’s disease patients using a quantitative approach, with applied word and investigatory goals, having field research and survey as procedures. Methodology: Carried out in Dona Libânia Dermatological center, with patients of both genders diagnosed with leprosy received physiotherapy for a month at least and physiotherapists who work with cancer patients for six months at least. Results: The survey results were catalogued and transformed into charts and tables. Conclusion: There is a need for a greater performance of motor physiotherapy, therapeutic touch and mostly for an education concerning primary attention, with lectures or activities that address this population. Keywords: Hansen’s Disease; Physiotherapy; Health Prevention and Promotion