How can Physical Therapy help me?

Physical therapy is a health care profession that involves treatment of a disease, injury or deformity by physical methods such as exercise, hot/cold therapy, therapeutic taping, joint and soft tissue mobilization and modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound) rather than drugs or surgery.

Physical Therapists can help achieve the following goals for you:

1. IMPROVE MOBILITY AND MOTION

Motion is essential to everyday life. For example, you have difficulty walking, negotiating stairs, bending forward to pick up something from the floor or basic tasks such as putting on your clothes, combing your hair or running to catch your bus or train. Physical therapists can help you address your problem by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. 

2. PROVIDING A CONSERVATIVE OPTION TO SURGERY

While surgery can be the best course of treatment for certain diagnoses, there is evidence to indicate that physical therapists can offer an alternative. Considering conservative options to surgery is a hallmark of good care. Physical therapy is one of these options for many individuals.

When there is a need for surgery, physical therapists can enhance the outcome both before and after surgery. Additionally, for those individuals whose health conditions prevent surgery from being an option, physical therapists can be invaluable in helping them improve or maintain the quality of their lives.

3. MANAGING PAIN EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT LONG TERM USE OF MEDICATION

A physical therapist can help patients control pain, often reducing the need for long-term use of medications. Studies reveal that individuals who receive physical therapy experience greater improvement in function with less pain. While recognizing that medication is an essential component in the management of many acute and chronic conditions, physical therapists can provide an alternative to the long-term use of medications for the management of pain and certain other health conditions.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association. Benefits of a Physical Therapist.