Physical therapy benefits people of all ages with recent or chronic injuries, pre and post-operative conditions, and medical conditions or illnesses that limit mobility and ability to function normally. An individualized therapy program can help people return to their prior level of function, reduce or prevent future injury, and improve overall health and well-being. Many physicians refer their patients for physical therapy as a primary way to conservatively approach and manage problems. Here are the top 5 reasons to choose physical therapy first.
1. Reduce or eliminate pain.
Physical therapy provides the opportunity to reduce or eliminate pain through specific therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, to restore normal joint mechanics to support and help heal injured tissues. Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and taping techniques can also reduce pain during recovery.
2. Avoid or recover from surgery.
In many cases, if physical therapy can address the reasons contributing to pain, you may be able to avoid surgery altogether. If you do need surgery, pre-surgery physical therapy can improve mobility and strength and help get you in better condition, making it easier to recover from surgery with postoperative physical therapy more quickly and with better outcomes.
3. Improve mobility.
If you have difficulty with standing, walking, or transitioning, such as moving from a sitting to a standing position, exercises to improve flexibility and strength can improve your ability to move with greater ease, making everyday activities more enjoyable. Physical therapists can also instruct and fit you for an assistive device such as a cane, crutches, or other assistive devices designed to improve your mobility.
4. Prevent or recover from a sports-related injury.
Physical therapists understand how muscle imbalances and joint or soft tissue restrictions can increase the risk of a sports-related injury. They can design a program for your particular sport to address and reduce potential risk factors. If you have a sports-related injury, from competitive league play or weekend warrior, physical therapists can help you recover to return to your specific sport more rapidly.
5. Improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
As we age, our risk of falling increases. Physical therapists can identify if you are a high risk for falls, and factors including muscle weaknesses, coordination, and proprioception deficits that can lead to falls can be improved with specific exercises. Sometimes the source of loss of balance is related to the vestibular system, such as with certain types of dizziness and vertigo. These can be addressed with certain movements and exercises to restore vestibular function and reduce the risk of falls.
At Proactive Physical Therapy, a physical therapist is there to assist you in moving toward greater function by understanding your specific condition or injury, providing you with an individualized program to address the reasons for your limitations, and arming you with the knowledge you need to manage your condition and put you on the path to better health. Contact us to schedule a free assessment today!
