Physical therapy is helpful for people of all ages who have injuries or illnesses that limit their usual ability to function and move. A physical therapy program that is customized can help individuals return to their prior level of functionality. It can also help them improve their overall health.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that physical therapy is valuable!
Reduce or Eliminate Pain
Manual therapy techniques and therapeutic techniques, such as soft tissue and joint mobilization can help to relieve pain substantially. Therapies can often stop pain from returning, as well.
Avoid Surgery
Physical therapy not only helps to eliminate pain or recover from an injury, but it may also remove the need for surgery. Even if surgery is required, pre-surgery physical therapy can make a world of difference in how you handle the surgery and recover.
Improve Mobility
If you’re currently having trouble walking, standing, or moving, physical therapy can help you, no matter how old you are. By working with a physician, stretching your muscles and strengthening them can help you restore your ability to move.
Recover from a Stroke
After a stroke, it is normal for people to use some degree of function. Physical therapy helps you strengthen any weakened parts of the body. It can also help you improve both your balance and gait.
This will help you become far more mobile at home. In turn, this reduces the burden of care for bathing, toileting, and dressing.
Recover from or Prevent a Sports Injury
Physical therapists have an excellent understanding of how different sports can increase your risk for specific types of injuries. This means that they can design appropriate recovery/prevention programs for you to ensure you can safely play your sports.
Improve Your Balance and Prevent Falls
When you undergo physical therapy, you will go through screening to identify your fall risk. If you are at a rather high risk for falls, therapists will provide you with a few exercises that carefully and safely challenge and improve your balance. Often, these exercises will mimic real-life situations.
Manage Diabetes and Vascular Conditions
As part of an excellent diabetes management plan, exercise can help you control your blood sugar. People dealing with diabetes may also deal with problems concerning sensations in their feet and legs. Therapists can often provide proper foot care to prevent problems from arising.
Manage Heart and Lung Disease
Some patients may need complete cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or a heart procedure. Physical therapy along with consistent care from hospice nurses can help improve your quality of life through conditioning, strengthening, and breathing exercises.
Physical therapy is a highly valuable form of therapy. Hopefully, the information above has convinced you of that.
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