- Physical therapy can be an amazing tool for (re-)building one's strength, if used properly...
Everyone knows about physical therapy to recover from sports or other injuries or to live with chronic diseases. But, not so many know about preventative physical therapy. This type of physical therapy focuses on preventing future health and mobility problems to make the most of a person’s long-term mobility and strength. This physical therapy gives the client life-long tools to build their stamina and strength and keep it at a high level in the future.
When Do People Start Physical Therapy?
Most people start physical therapy as a part of the healing process following an injury or to combat the effects of a chronic disease that affects mobility. Then, they continue with this preventative physical therapy to keep the benefits and add to them. When patients learn more about preventative physical therapy, they can see its value in their lives. The best physical therapy is designed for each person’s unique needs and condition. No two people have the exact same program design.
Each person has an initial appointment for an evaluation. At this time their lifestyle, eating habits, physical limitations, points of pain, and goals are discussed. This is where the client and the professional decide on a short-term relief plan and a long-term plan for the future. Treatment options and costs are discussed and client questions are answered here.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a carefully planned combination of functional physical exercises and education about the way the body moves and how a person’s body can be helped by lifestyle and diet changes as well as the right exercises.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
To decide whether to put the time, effort, and money into a long-term physical therapy program, a person needs to see the benefits they will receive.
The most common reason people learn about physical therapy is its role in helping people recover from traumatic injuries. Over time, physical therapy helps patients recover body strength, increase flexibility, and regain their physical health.
Physical therapy can also lower a person’s risk of re-injury or aggravating an existing injury such as a muscle or joint tear, strain, or another injury. This is done by strengthening the injury location and learning which movements are safe and which ones to avoid.
Chronic pain can be reduced or eliminated by a good physical therapy program. Some conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, or injuries, can be treated with physical therapy to reduce the pain and dependence on pain medications.
Athletes may turn to physical therapy to improve their performance in their chosen sport. A trained physical therapist can develop a plan to increase the athlete’s strength and flexibility in their chosen sport. Physical therapy can also prepare the body for the repetitive and other movements required for a sport and help prevent injury.
What Conditions are Helped by Physical therapy?
Physical therapists work to treat specific injuries or conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, but their work can also be beneficial for those with the following conditions.
- Cardiopulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary disease, and some forms of heart failure, and more
- Hand-limiting conditions like carpel tunnel syndrome or trigger finger
- Back pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, and rotator cuff tears
- Some pediatric diseases such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy
- Some skin problems, such as burns, diabetic ulcers, or wounds
- Sports caused injuries
- Feminine health issues such as urinary incontinence or pelvic floor issues.