It is common knowledge that physical therapy helps with relief of pain and improvement of function. In fact, it helps improve mobility, increase strength, reduce swelling and empowers individuals to live healthy, productive lives.
Here are ten things you probably did not know about physical therapy:
- Can be used by athletes to enhance performance at a competitive level.
- Helps treat severe injuries, joint deformities and issues associated with chronic diseases.
- Restores the ability to perform daily tasks in a pain-free manner.
- Can result in improvements to the work and home environment to increase safety.
- Help individuals recuperate from chronic conditions.
- Forms an essential part of the recovery and rehabilitation process following accidents, injuries and surgical procedures.
- Has the potential to be a stand-alone treatment.
- Can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for a complete health and wellness solution.
- Can be used to treat arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, cancer, diabetes and even migraines.
- Is appropriate for children and adults of all ages.
The Science Behind Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a highly specialized skill that involves hands-on care from the therapist. This helps individuals maintain, enhance or regain their functional capabilities. The information gathered in the evaluation is used to construct a treatment program that may include:
Hands-on techniques to bring relief – Specialized motions and movements to increase joint movement help to re-educate the body on how to move correctly. This helps in recovery following injuries and surgical interventions.
Exercise – A customized program of gentle exercise to build stability, strength and muscle control helps offset muscle weakness after weeks in a sling. Patients will be provided with a strength and mobility program that can be implemented at home and work.
Clinical Pilates – At times, a specialized exercise program can be designed to regain muscle strength, tone, and control. Exercises may be performed with specialized equipment or independently.
Electrical Stimulation – The technique is used to improve muscle and ligament tone. This is a useful method to control pain and inflammation.
Water Therapy – Water relieves stress on joints and encourages patients to relax and move with relative ease. An aqueous environment provides support for weak muscles and joints and supports ‘relearning’ of muscle strength and control.
Vibration Therapy – Sometimes called percussion therapy, the method is effective in the removal of phlegm and congestion for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Ultrasound – Acoustic waves are used to accelerate healing in soft tissue injuries and strengthen bones.
Laser Therapy – Specific light wavelengths are used to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
Massage – Therapeutic massage techniques are customized to the patient’s needs. Massage is used to counteract the effects of daily stress and maintain range of movement. The stimulation of the body’s internal healing mechanisms helps recovery.
Clinical Pilates – A specialized form of exercise (different from conventional Pilates) helps build core and pelvic floor strength. It helps improve balance and function and can be performed with or without specialized equipment.
Traction – The method stretches specific joints in the body and alleviates pain and discomfort in the spinal region.
Walking Aids – Physical therapists help patients learn how to use mobility aids such as canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to improve mobility and prevent injuries.
The Lifelong Impact of Physical Therapy
We have the ability to help every single person in our community to:
- Move better
- Become stronger
- Have better posture
- Improve balance
- Breathe easier
- Live safer
- Avoid injury
- Recover from injuries
- Avoid surgery (in some cases)
- Recover from surgery
and more.
In fact, we are committed to helping all our patients, and our community to live a better quality of life and lead a comfortable and active lifestyle. We treat patients with sports, work and auto injuries. We have helped individuals with a wide variety of chronic diseases and deformities to get relief from pain, dysfunction and disability. In many cases, this has reduced or eliminated the need for prescription medications.
If you, a friend or a loved one has chronic pain, mobility issues, or suffered a fall or injury, we have an arsenal of scientifically based techniques to help. We can help alleviate conditions ranging from migraines to spinal injuries – call today to learn more about what physical therapy can do for you.
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