If you recently had an injury or surgery, your doctor may have referred you to a physical therapist for rehabilitation sessions. While most people have an idea of what physical therapy does, many others may not know the actual benefits of receiving therapy. If you have been wondering why physical therapy is beneficial to you, this article will cover five reasons you may want to get physical therapy.
Physical Therapy will Relieve or Eliminate pain.
One of the main goals of physical therapy is to relieve pain during or after treatment for an injury. A physical therapist will employ active manual techniques such as massages, soft tissue mobilization techniques, and exercise therapy to help reduce pain. Your therapist may also use passive techniques such as ultrasound and electrical muscle stimulation to restore muscle function and improve joint mobility to easing the pain. In some cases, physical therapy can also eliminate pain, depending on its cause and severity.
Physical Therapy Improves Mobility
Many people have problems moving their bodies as they should due to aging, an accident, injury, or medical conditions. With the right physical therapy techniques, you can regain mobility of your joints and muscles, irrespective of your age and condition. Because physical therapy offers a customized treatment plan, your physical therapist will design a combination of techniques and exercises tailored to your daily activities to help you improve mobility. In some cases, your physical therapist may provide assistive devices such as a crutch or cane to help with your mobility.
Physical Therapy Prevents Buildup of Scar Tissue
Scar tissue typically forms after an injury or surgical procedure. Unfortunately, these scar tissues can build up and cause tightness and pain for the individual. Fortunately, with the aid of regular stretching and manual techniques employed by physical therapists, you can recover fully without the buildup of scar tissue. These techniques break down scar tissue and improve the flexibility and elasticity of the affected body part.
Physical Therapy May Prevent Surgery
Physical therapy is an excellent treatment option for people who do not want to receive surgery. Professional physical therapists can use specialized techniques to speed up the healing of injured tissues, improve stability and increase strength. If you receive physical therapy early enough, you may be able to reduce or eliminate pain, thereby removing the need for a surgical procedure.
Aside from cases where injury has already occurred, routine physical therapy can also help prevent injuries, particularly injuries that may require surgery. Because physical therapy improves your balance, strength, and mobility, you are less likely to have a fall or get into other accidents. This also means reduced healthcare costs and hospital stays.
Physical Therapy is Personalized
Perhaps one of the most beautiful benefits of physical therapy is that it is a personalized form of treatment. A professional physiotherapist understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to physical therapy. As such, they would first make a thorough examination of your body, understand your condition before drawing up a treatment plan of different techniques tailored to you, and be sure to deliver the best outcomes.
You can always discuss with your therapist about your treatment plan, the things you are uncomfortable with, and changes you would like to make. This makes physical therapy a participative treatment plan that puts your well-being first.
Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of physical therapy? Or do you have questions you would like to ask about how physical therapy can help your recovery? Book an appointment with Dr. Eric Broadworth at Fuel Physical Therapy, Grand Rapids, MI, to get started.