Whether you are dealing with a chronic condition that affects physical function, post-surgery rehab, or an acute injury, you can get back on track with the help of physical therapy. As a matter of fact, it can actually help you feel good. It is a type of rehabilitative care focused on diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions and injuries, along with movement dysfunction. Physical therapists use targeted treatments and techniques for improving range of motion, restoring mobility, improving physical function and decreasing pain.
There are countless benefits of physical therapy, some of which are highlighted below.
Rehab from a sports injury
Surgery is not needed for every sport-related injury. However, targeted interventions are required for preventing further damage and reducing pain. This can also help in strengthening the injured area and allow you to get back to competition. A physical therapist can come up with a plan for rebuilding the strength and range of motion of the injured area. This can include massage therapy, targeted exercises, ultrasound, aquatic therapy and heat and cold therapy for preventing further injury and strengthening joints and muscles.
Reduce pain
Prescription medications, or surgery may be required to improve some pain, but other types of pain can benefit from exercise and physical therapy. There is generally a known cause for acute pain and it starts suddenly. But, it often gets better with healing, treatment and time. On the other hand, chronic pain can last for more than 3 months and is usually caused by a medical treatment, inflammation, disease, injury and sometimes for an unknown reason too.
Powerful drugs, such as opioids, are often recommended for treatment. However, physical therapy can also be helpful in reducing chronic pain. Therapeutic exercises, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching, massage, cold and heat therapy and taping are some of the physical therapy techniques that can be helpful.
Reduce arthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis can cause debilitating symptoms, such as tenderness, swelling, pain, joint inflammation and stiffness. But, the symptom severity can be reduced with the help of physical therapy and it can also give the overall quality of life a boost. Physical therapy is helpful in restoring the use of affected joints, improving mobility, maintaining fitness levels and increasing overall strength for supporting the joints.
Shorten post-surgery recovery
In the weeks after you undergo surgery, a doctor may recommend physical therapy. Depending on the surgical procedure, injury and overall health, treatment can last from a couple of weeks to a few months. The purpose of orthopedic physical therapy is to reduce pain, improve the range of motion, regain normal function after musculoskeletal surgery and prevent buildup of excessive scar tissue. Physical therapy can be immensely helpful in restoring strength and making a full recovery from surgery. You can gradually return to everyday activities faster with the help of physical therapy. Critically ill patients can also enjoy a better quality of life and experience better muscle function. There is a greater likelihood of them being able to walk longer distances, thanks to physical therapy.
