Physical therapy is a form of treatment that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to correct impairments and regain or improve physical abilities. Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. These include neurological problems, cardiopulmonary conditions, sciatica, musculoskeletal birth defects, back pain, neck pain, burns, recreational injuries, work related injuries, vertigo, and urinary incontinence.
The debilitating effects of many of these ailments can interfere with every aspect of life. This can eventually take a toll on you, both physically and mentally. One of the main goals of physical therapy is to help patients regain mobility and function of affected areas. This will also improve the patient’s quality of life. A major advantage of physical therapy is its ability to treat certain medical conditions that are typically managed with medication and surgery. Physical therapy can help you get your life back and improve your overall health and sense of well being.
1. Avoid surgery
Some patients may choose surgery to treat a medical condition instead of physical therapy. In many of these cases, surgery may provide temporary relief, but it comes with risks. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine offered evidence to show the effectiveness of physical therapy. The study compared a group of patients that had surgery for meniscal tears and arthritis of the knee with another group that were treated with physical therapy for the same condition.
The study was conducted 6 months after surgery, and there were no noteworthy differences as far as functional improvement. This study showed the effectiveness of physical therapy equaled that of surgery. Conditions that cause chronic pain can also be treated with physical therapy instead of surgery. In addition, physical therapy provides the added benefits of increased physical fitness, better mobility, and improved health. Surgery may seem faster and easier, but physical therapy is a less invasive option, with none of the risks associated with surgery.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Reduce or eliminate pain
Patients suffering from pain can improve their quality of life with physical therapy. Pain can result from medical conditions or an injury. Treatment for pain typically consists of prescription painkillers, which can be costly over time. There’s also the risk and dangers of addiction for those with long term needs. Physical therapy is a safe and effective option for many patients. Therapeutic exercises, special techniques, and other treatments can be used to relieve pain and rehabilitate muscle and joint function. These therapies include electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, and ultrasound. They are also effective when used to prevent future episodes of pain from the causative condition.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Improve mobility
The ability to move around freely and easily is a challenge for many people suffering from debilitating illnesses. Physical therapy can address these problems and help to improve a patient’s general sense of well being. Challenges to mobility include difficulty standing, walking, or just moving. Your therapy may consist of stretching and strengthening exercises. Some patients may need more assistance, and an assistive device may be prescribed.
Devices such as crutches or a cane are sometimes utilized to give patients some extra support. Some may need it while working to restore mobility. A physical therapist can assess your condition and customize a treatment plan to improve your functional mobility. Exercises for this purpose focus on strengthening, range of motion, balance, and flexibility. Your therapist will consider the activities that are important to your life when creating a treatment plan. You can practice these exercises and incorporate them into your daily routine, to maximize performance and safety.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Recover from a stroke
A stroke will usually cause some loss of movement and function of certain body parts on one side of your body. This will affect your ability to do basic activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and personal grooming. Physical therapy is usually needed to strengthen weakened body parts and restore independence. Your therapist will work with you to keep muscles and nerves stimulated with exercises and movements.
This will lessen stiffness and bolster circulation. A stroke patient may need help with most of their daily activities for a period of time. Your balance and ability to move around may also be affected by a stroke. Physical therapy can benefit patients through every stage of recovery. A treatment plan usually includes tasks like relearning movements for basic functions. Some patients also need help retraining the healthy brain cells responsible for controlling affected body parts.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Recover from or prevent a sports injury
Injuries from playing sports is very common, and many athletes require rehabilitation after healing. Physical therapy is a major part of rebuilding strength and movement. It’s also beneficial for pain management and the prevention of permanent damage and further issues with the injured area. Physical therapists can specialize in sports injuries, and work exclusively with athletes and other physically active people.
Physical therapy for these types of injuries include stretches, exercises, and the use of specialized equipment. Another aspect of therapy in regards to sports injuries is prevention. Physical therapists can detect weak areas of the body, which may be prone to injury. The therapist will create an exercise regimen to strengthen the areas of muscular or skeletal weakness. This can help to prevent injuries in what would otherwise be vulnerable and weak muscle groups and joints.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Improve your balance
Issues with balance can be caused by many different problems. Pphysical therapy can be helpful by using specific exercises and various assistive devices. Physical therapists can evaluate the systems of your body that are responsible for balance. An assessment of your risk of falling is also necessary. The eyes, ears, joints, and muscles are among the areas that are evaluated. A specific treatment plan is then designed to address your needs. This typically includes physical exercises and movement techniques, some of which mimic real life situations.
Patients experiencing dizziness or vertigo can be helped by specific movements performed by the therapist. These movements restore proper functioning and eliminates symptoms. The goal of physical therapy is improved functioning of the systems involved in balance. Your therapist can also help with improving coordination by using specific exercises, or recommending devices to assist with walking, if necessary.
