People injure themselves regularly during falls, accidents, and in everyday life. There are many types of treatment one could receive for various injuries, including medication, surgery, and of course, physical therapy. Since physical therapy (PT) works to treat varying conditions without the use of medications, it is a popular option for treating orthopedic injuries. Aside from that, there are many different ailments and issues that can also receive benefit from PT.
According to Medical News today, you can receive PT treatment for the following areas:
- Orthopedic Therapy – this therapy treats musculoskeletal injuries, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- Geriatric Therapy – focuses on helping older patients, and further works towards treating conditions that may affect mobility and other physical functions.
- Neurological Therapy – works with patients with neurological disorders. This may include Alzheimer and stroke patients.
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy – this therapy treats patients with cardiopulmonary conditions.
- Pediatric Therapy – works with infants and children to help manage conditions that may impact their musculoskeletal systems.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy – this therapy can help patients who may experience urinary incontinence, or those who have pain in this area.
Not only does this type of treatment span many different fields and conditions, but it can also help treat and prevent the following issues:
- Reduce pain – physical therapists will work with patients to create a treatment plan to address their injury, and reduce pain. This can be done through methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise.
- Help to avoid surgery – by working towards healing an injury, surgery may not be needed after a course of physical therapy. In addition to this, PT may be prescribed prior to surgery for a faster recovery time.
- Improve mobility – stretching and strengthening exercises that can be given in a course of PT can have great benefits in potentially increasing mobility.
- Recovery from a stroke – as noted above, stroke patients may receive neurological therapy, which can help to strengthen the weakened parts of the body.
- Recovery from or prevent a sports injury – PT is often prescribed after a sports injury, because it promotes strengthening of the injured area, as well as the muscles and joints around it. This can ultimately lead to a safer return to participation in sports.
- Diabetes, vascular conditions, and heart and lung disease – PT can be used to teach patients an exercise regimen that will address their current conditions or help rehabilitate these condition after an incident such as a heart attack. By working with a physical therapist in these cases, patients may be able to strengthen these areas.
How Physical Therapy Differs from Regular Exercise
While physical therapy can be exercise-based, it does not always require an exercise routine, and may include treatments such as electrical stimulation, including TENS units, ultrasounds, dry needling, and cupping. It should also be noted that exercise is not an appropriate replacement for this type of treatment. Physical therapists must earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy to practice in the US, and as such, they have an extensive amount of knowledge that is required to treat these types of injuries. While exercise may be beneficial to strengthening your muscles, it is no substitute for a doctors’ guidance on how to treat your injuries, and attempting to do this can have harmful results.
Physical therapy is a great way to receive treatment for injuries without relying on medications, and can be more beneficial for long term treatment effectiveness. PT requires multiple sessions that may span from weeks to months to finish, however, when receiving this type of rehabilitating long-term treatment, you may notice more long-term benefits. If you are trying to avoid medications, or want to receive more conservative treatment, talk to your physician about the possibility of receiving physical therapy. Not only can this type of treatment help heal your condition, but it can also help prevent future injuries in the same area.
Are you interested in trying physical therapy for any of the above conditions? Healthpointe’s doctors can find the right treatment for you. You can schedule an appointment with one of our skilled doctors by clicking here, or by calling 888-956-2663.