If you have any aches or pains that linger after a week’s rest, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. You may be asking yourself, “but what do physical therapists do exactly and how can they help me?”
Whether you’re a skeptic or just don’t have enough information about what exactly a physical therapist does, this post will help you find some clarity.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a low-risk solution to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Here are the four main goals of physical therapy:
- To educate patients on how to manage pain and accelerate healing through strengthening and stretching
- To educate patients on proper posture techniques to help preserve the spine
- To accelerate the stages of healing and restore muscle flexibility, joint mobility and spine motion
- To prevent future injury
What do physical therapists do?
The main goal of physical therapy is to promote the patient’s ability to move, restore function, reduce pain and prevent injury. A physical therapist can also work with you to develop wellness and fitness programs to help establish a healthier and more active lifestyle.
What do physical therapists do that I can’t do?
Oftentimes patients may think that they have all the tools they need to know how to exercise properly and manage pain. The mentality of I know what works best for me or I know what’s causing this are common thoughts of those who may be skeptical of physical therapy. However, a physical therapist is a specialist who is educated and skilled in proper rehabilitation techniques. They work closely with your physician in the development of a rehabilitation program specifically designed for each and every person and can present you with treatment options and modalities that you may not have been aware of.
Physical therapy isn’t just for the injured. Physical therapists can perform evaluations to determine muscle weaknesses or other imbalances that may lead to an injury. Correcting any problem areas, and taking preventative measures, can save you lots of stress and money later on down the road.
Sometimes a few sessions with a physical therapist can be your fastest road to recovery. Your physical therapist will work alongside you to establish and reach your health goals.
