Have you ever thought to yourself, “Is physical therapy going to hurt?“
We get it – it’s a common misperception. Today we reveal six benefits of physical therapy (that can help you bounce back to life today!).
Physical therapy can provide customized plans to help individuals improve their quality of life by returning to what they considered normal prior to the conditions that limit their regular ability to move.
Here are 6 benefits of physical therapy that address a variety of issues.
6 Benefits of Physical Therapy
Management of age-related issues.
Osteoporosis and arthritis are common issues that develop when individuals age. Physical therapy can help manage and reduce the development of such conditions.
An evaluation of the patient’s abilities will be conducted, and a physical therapist will create a program to include screenings, education, and exercises to prevent further decline so that the aged individual can maintain their independence.
Prevent or recover from sports-related injuries.
Ankle sprains, pulled muscles, achilles tendinitis, and Runner’s Knee are common injuries that physical therapists understand happen with different sports.
Many athletes often “tough it out” and wait for the injury to heal on its own.
Physical therapy can treat and prevent these injuries from prolonging the athlete’s play and practice time, getting them back in the game!
Pain reduction or elimination.
Chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and chronic headaches can be reduced or eliminated by physical therapy.
It’s important to understand that a combination approach of physical therapy is essential in achieving the ease of chronic pain.
A consistent exercise routine is effective in reducing pain, and regularly exercising therapeutically will help maintain the patient’s ability to move rather than be disabled by their chronic pain.
Manage women’s health issues.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of women. Pregnancy, child birth, trauma, surgery, and chronic constipation are just a few of the conditions that can cause pelvic floor dysfunction.
Physical therapy treatment options may include home exercise programs, hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and appropriate muscle awareness activities.
Manage lung and heart disease.
Physical therapy can help patients clear the fluid in their lungs to improve their quality of life through conditioning, strengthening, and breathing exercises.
For patients with heart-related issues, a physical therapist can help develop an active lifestyle by focusing on lifestyle changes, mobility issues, and physical activities structured for the patient’s goals.
Recover from a stroke.
A stroke can happen at any age and often leaves one side of the body paralyzed.
During the first few weeks and months, physical therapy can help stroke survivors keep the affected muscles stimulated and toned, even before the patient is able to voluntarily move those muscles.
During therapy, basic functions are usually practiced first such as moving from a chair to a bed.
Once that is accomplished, balance exercises, basic coordination skills, grasping objects, and walking usually follow.
If you have questions about how physical therapy can help you or a loved one, we encourage you to give us a call at (808)674-9998. We’d be happy to help you bounce back to life!