Eight Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a well-known practice around the world. Many know that it is where one goes after an injury or after specific surgeries. Many are also aware that physical therapy treats injuries and helps everyday people get back to doing things they enjoy. However, it is rare that you find others that know the full benefits of physical therapy—which is not only available after an injury but during every phase of your life.

Below are eight key benefits of physical therapy. If for any reason you need physical therapy, why not give Professional Rehab Associates a call and schedule an appointment today?

1. Maximize Movement

As physical therapists, it is our job to ensure that we are helping you to receive the maximum level of movement possible. We do this by utilizing a variety of practices and skills to enhance the current range of motion, helping your body align with a more normal standard.

We will work with you and your care provider to properly assess your current situation and where we think you will be able to go.

2. Pain Management

Many doctors will quickly provide opioids or other medications to help deal with pain. While we at Professional Rehab Associates in Radford, Virginia, approve of medication, our goal is to help you manage pain with fewer pills. Opioid risks can include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Substance use disorder
• Overdose
• Withdrawal symptoms after use

While pills can help reduce the pain, physical therapy can help treat that pain through movement. Therapists can address the issues and identify where pain may be stemming from. Whether chronic or non-chronic pain, physical therapy can help.

3. Overcome Physical Activity Barriers

Physical therapy is a great way to learn how your body should be moving. Instead of risking further injury, consulting a physical therapist in your area can help you learn proper techniques to make physical activity a part of your daily routine.

Physical activity has been proven to help reduce chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and even depression. Short or long-term physical therapy can monitor your exercise and even provide plans to help you get the most out of your workout while reducing the risk of injury or further complications.

4. Help in Avoiding Surgery

Many people will not believe it, but physical therapy can help reduce your need for surgery. There are numerous success stories of people receiving physical therapy treatment, which allowed them to avoid the need for surgery. By managing pain and improving movement problems, physical therapists tend to areas of pain that can become chronic and ultimately lead to surgery.

According to Choose PT, research shows that physical therapy is as effective as surgery for some conditions, including meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis and more.

For cases where surgery can’t be avoided, physical therapy can help before and after the surgery, assisting in a fuller recovery and reducing post-surgery rehabilitation.

5. Improve Balance

Vestibular physical therapy is a great tool to help regain balance and control. If you are suffering from dizziness and imbalance, motion sensitivity, sensory incoordination or other balance issues, then physical therapy may be the next step.

To help improve your balance, physical therapists will include exercises that challenge your balance safely in order to measure where you currently land. From there, an improvement plan will be implemented that will provide real-life scenarios that help improve balance and focus, reducing the risk of falling and other possible injuries.

6. Improve Athletic Performance

Not every physical therapy practice is able to assist with sports or athletic physical therapy. However, it is a common practice that helps sports athletes of all ages avoid injuries and stay at the top of their game. Through a series of pre-season and off-season screenings and exercises, therapists are able to detect areas where improvement may be needed.

Sports injuries that physical therapists can help with include:

• stress fractures
• torn ligaments
• broken bones
• pulled muscles
• and much more

7. Available at Any Time

Unlike other types of health services, physical therapy does not require a doctor or care provider’s referral. Physical therapists are movement experts and are available whenever you want.

8. Allow You to Take an Active Role in Your Health

When you receive physical therapy, you are given the opportunity to take an active role in your care plan and your health. Unlike typical doctors, physical therapists take the time to discuss your issues with you and help you to reach your physical goals. They will also provide attainable goals and physical exercises that you can do within your home, as well as in your one-on-one sessions.

The goal of a physical therapist is to empower you to get back in the saddle. By working with you and your care provider, you are always kept in the loop about your care plan and how it will benefit you.

So, there you have it—eight benefits of physical therapy that you probably didn't know. At Professional Rehabl Associates, Inc. in Radford, Virginia, we are ready to help you achieve your goals and avoid the risk of injuries that come with age and physical activity. Give us a call today to schedule your physical therapy appointment in the New River Valley. We can't wait to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.