Physical therapy (PT) is a form of healthcare that uses specific exercises and activities to help people manage pain and regain movement and function after an injury or illness.
There are many types of physical therapy, each with its own benefits. In general, PT can help improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. PT can also help you heal from injuries faster and prevent future injuries from occurring.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
A physical therapist can design a customized PT plan based on your specific needs, goals, and priorities. Your physical therapist will also coordinate with your other doctors to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Physical therapy will generally involve stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises to help improve your physical health. In many cases, it will provide almost immediate improvements in pain management, mobility, and range of motion.
And as you continue to receive treatment and follow your PT plan, you will probably see long-term benefits, such as:
● better coordination and balance
● improved posture
● improved flexibility
● decreased risk of further injuries
● increased independence
● improved quality of life
Different Types of Physical Therapy
Many types of physical therapy are available to meet your specific needs.
● Orthopedic PT: focuses on treating injuries or conditions affecting bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
● Neurological PT: helping people with disorders affecting the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, strokes, aneurysms, brain injuries, and Alzheimer’s disease.
● Geriatric PT: treating older adults with age-related health conditions or wanting to maintain their independence. Common geriatric conditions include arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic illnesses, and fall risks.
● Pediatric PT: treating infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental delays, birth defects, or who are recovering from an injury or surgery. Common pediatric conditions include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
● Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT: focuses on improving circulation and treating people with heart or lung problems, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
● Vestibular Rehabilitation: helping people with balance and dizziness problems, including vertigo, due to inner ear disorders.
● Occupational Therapy: helping people improve their ability to perform common activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and eating.
These are just a few of the many specialties available within physical therapy. No matter what kinds of issues you’re experiencing, a physical therapist can create an individualized plan just for you and your situation.
Expanding Your Quality of Life
A big part of physical therapy involves going through various physical movements with guidance, support, and instruction from your physical therapist.
You can improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and using the right exercises and movements.
Your physical therapy team will also empower you with guidance, education, and support. They will teach you techniques and activities that you can practice on your own or with family and friends. And they can provide you with resources and teachings that you can continue to use long after you finish your physical therapy program.
Physical therapy is designed to help you achieve your highest possible level of health, independence, and quality of life. If you are struggling with an injury or condition that’s affecting your mobility, function, and quality of life, then talk to your doctor about the possibilities of physical therapy. It may just be the key to helping you get back to feeling better and living a longer, healthier, and happier life.
