After suffering from an injury most people want to just recover as quickly as possible. They want to ¨get back to normal.¨ This is an entirely understandable sentiment. Yet the importance of Physical Therapy is more than just returning to normal. Physical Therapy can be the bridge between an injury and a body that functions in a healthy manner.
Do you have a disability? , Do you suffer from pain during you usual activities? If you do, and desire to take steps to alleviate it, than Physical Therapy is for you..
This is all good and well to say, but what exactly is Physical Therapy, and why is it important?
According to dictionary.com Physical Therapy (PT) is the ¨treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.¨
Physical therapy is diverse because it can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other medical therapies. It focuses on helping you to heal and achieve improved mobility. It uses general strengthening of the body and changing habits to lead you to prevent further injury in the future. So is PT right for you? If you have doubts, you should always have a discussion with your doctor or orthopedic specialist first.
Do you relate to the following statements? If you feel like they apply to you then it’s time to pick up the phone and make an appointment.
The following are the most common reasons that highlight the importance of physical therapy:
- Can improve mobility – Age is irrelevant to mobility needs. if you have trouble moving , standing, or walking, PT will help. Stretching improves flexibility and strength training can help you regain ease of motion in everyday activities.
- Take away the pain – Physical Therapists have an arsenal that includes joint and soft tissue mobilization. Which, along with other manual exercises, can help to reduce or entirely relieve symptoms of pain. Beyond that, these techniques can also possibly prevent the pain from returning later on down the line.
- Surgery – Doing PT has the potential to reduce or eliminate your pain and you may not need surgery; however, even if you do wind up undergoing a procedure, it can still be an asset. Strength training before surgery can reduce your recovery time, and help prepare you for your post-surgery needs.
- Prevent falls/Improve balance – Do you have a tendency to fall? Are you prone to dizziness? If so, you might have a problem with your vestibular system. Physical Therapists have safe, specific moves that help you to remedy this issue. Over time, these exercise will provide a challenge for your body and help to improve your over all balance. They will also help you learn how to use mobility aids properly.
- Recover from Sports injuries – If you play sports, you will be injured. While recovering from common sports injuries (such as an ACL tear) you will need PT to get back in the game. A physical therapist can also help you to harness better form to prevent future injuries.
- Stroke recovery – One of the unfortunately common side effects of a stroke is a loss of normal movement or function. This can impede daily activities and create feelings of frustration for the patient. Using PT exercises can help to build up those muscles and weak areas. This can help to reduce those feelings. Physical therapists can help to show the patient different ways of moving and increase a sense of independence. –
Knowing your needs
An array of other medical conditions can see improvement when adding PT to your existing medical care. Diabetics can help control blood sugar. Patients with lung disease can learn exercises to help with breath control. New mothers can use PT to help reduce the trauma of birth/postpartum complications. There are so many ways PT can help you.
You cannot stress the importance of Physical Therapy enough. If you have any questions or concerns about how PT may benefit you, call us today.
Source:
https://www.burke.org/blog/2015/10/10-reasons-why-physical-therapy-is-beneficial/58