You are probably already aware of the advantages of physical therapy to those who have had an injury, surgery or experienced discomfort. If you're not familiar with physical therapy, I'd like you to know some details on why it's important and the ways you can profit from it.

Physical therapy is an evolving profession that employs scientifically based clinical treatment methods to maintain, restore the health care of patients and improve their functioning of the body.

Five reasons to consider physical therapy.

Reduce the Pain

Let's be honest, no one wants to feel pain, and most of the time the cause may not be apparent. Anyone who has suffered or continues to suffer from pain is aware of the effects it can have on one's well-being. But, manual therapy has been demonstrated to be a reliable way of addressing pain both acute and chronic. The use of therapeutic exercise and joint mobilization, soft tissue and other modalities in physical therapy have been shown to decrease or eliminate pain and teach patients self-remedies to avoid future pain.

Avoid Surgery

Surgery is often a viable option for patients who are experiencing pain or impairment. Although sometimes surgery is unavoidable however, in many instances physical therapy is an effective strategy to avoid surgery all together. There is growing research that demonstrates physical therapy being the first line of treatment for many musculoskeletal injuries and a trial prior to going under the knife could be the best way to avoid unnecessary surgery. Although therapy can't be a complete stopper for surgery, strong evidence shows that treatment prior to surgery may improve postoperative outcomes.

Resumption of activity after injury

As a physical therapist I have known many of my colleagues to be fitness lovers and athletes. Add that to a degree in physical rehabilitation and you'll have the perfect person to help you return to your favorite activities. Physical therapists will look at the healing process as well as the physical demands of the exercise to develop an individualized plan that incorporates methodologies that are scientifically based to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Avoid Injuries

Many individuals seek physical therapy after suffering an injury or suffering pain. However, one aspect overlooked is the part physical therapy plays in identifying areas of weakness or poor mobility that could expose a patient to injury. If a physical therapist is able to identify these limitations, they'll formulate a therapy plan to target those areas and potentially reduce the likelihood of injury. In reality, injuries are not avoidable however, as with all things in life, it's more beneficial to take proactive steps!

Enhance balance and avoid from falling

It is widely acknowledged that falls among seniors are common but they are also dangerous and could adversely affect their living conditions. More than 25% of those who are over 65 (that percentage only grows with the advancing years!) A minimum of one person falls each year. This can lead to serious effects. A physical therapist can assist to avoid falling by assessing your needs and developing your own treatment plan, which includes exercises that increase strength, mobility, balance, and coordination. As well provide education to patients and their loved ones highlighting simple ways to reduce fall risk at home.

It would be difficult to summarize all the benefits of physical therapy. However, I hope this article will help make physical therapy more accessible to everyone. I've seen the advantages of physical therapy in person as a client and as an worker within the field. If you'd like to know more information about whether physical therapy is right for you, consult with your doctor or orthopedist or come in to any of our back pain locations and we would be happy to chat with you!

Posted by: Lilian Holden at 12:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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