Starting Physical Therapy: Five Reasons Why This is a Good Idea
This article about starting physical therapy was written by Dr. Marla Ranieri
Your body is responsible for getting you through the day, no matter what kinds of activities you participate in.
Many people are under the impression that athletes and those who are very active on a daily basis are the only ones at risk for injury. This is not the case at all. The risk for injury exists even for people that only do simple tasks within the home. It’s important to think carefully about the ways that the body is used. This helps to minimize the chances of experiencing an injury or a setback and needing outside assistance to heal. One option for this healing that doesn’t involve simply waiting around is starting physical therapy.
Read on to find out five of the most persuasive reasons to consider starting physical therapy as a method for improving health and regaining strength in injured parts of the body.
Start physical therapy if you are in pain
Everyone experiences pain at different points in their life, but we’re not talking about aches and pains that are the result of sleeping wrong or exercising too hard. These symptoms come and go, but when people like you experience lingering pain that doesn’t seem to improve – and keeps you from doing the things you love – it might be time to look into a physical therapist. It’s not always about treating the symptoms you feel, sometimes the cause of the pain is much more serious… and will need to be addressed.
Physical therapy increases mobility
Common symptoms of people with decreased mobility include:
- Difficulty walking
- Inability to stand for long periods of time
- Trouble moving fluidly
- Inability to participate in sports
- Weakness in various parts of the body
If you experience any of these things and want to work on improving them, a physical therapist is the best person to turn to.
Since all cases will be different, it’s important to tailor a recovery plan that will best benefit you as an individual. Regaining mobility may make it possible for people to stay in their homes for longer as they age, or to return to the things that they enjoy. Find a clinic focusing on PT specialties that pertain to your situation.
Physical therapy can help with sports injuries
Physical therapy isn’t onlyhelpful with rehabilitation from sports injuries. It also helps keep them from occurring in the first place. Many injuries from sports happen because the body is not properly conditioned to respond to the repetitive movements that are necessary when playing. Others occur because people don’t listen to what their bodies tell them. People often believe that physical therapy focuses on only one part of the body. In actuality, the process is meant to strengthen the entire thing. This is very helpful to athletes of all types. It doesn’t matter if you’re an aspiring Olympian or a backyard athlete. A good physical therapist makes all the difference.
Physical therapy and surgery
Physical therapy sessions can help surgery patients in two ways. They (in some cases) eliminate the need to have surgery in the first place, or they help those that have had a procedure recover more quickly and completely.
For people suffering from symptoms of certain types of injuries, trying out physical therapy before going under the knife might be the right choice.
Not only does this eliminate the time spent recovering from the surgery itself, but it can also save people the cost of the procedure, too. Physical therapy exercises are often much easier on the body. Opting to see if this will work is a possibility, and may save you time and energy, too. Every patient has different fitness goals, but surgical recovery is not one that they’ll compromise on. The goal after this type of procedure is to get as close to “normal” as possible.
As a continued recovery option for surgical patients, PT is helpful, too. The exercises are done (at first) under the watchful eyes of trained and capable professionals. This means that patients don’t run the risk of getting re-injured like they would if they tried to handle things on their own. Physical therapy after surgery does many things for the body including:
- Strengthening the weak parts of the body
- Improves range of motion
- Increases balance and function
- Keeps muscles and joints from weakening further or becoming stiff
PT Promotes Overall Body Health
The goal of physical therapy visits is to improve the health of individual patients. Results will take time, sure, but the slow and steady process is proof that the sessions are worthwhile. The programs start out simply increase in intensity over time. This happens as patients become stronger and more capable. Though there is a dedicated National Physical Therapy Month each year, don’t wait until then to take control of your life.
Physical therapy sessions should improve confidence and strength and give people the ability to reach their goals. The more you know about your chosen therapist, the better. Don’t be afraid to research them before choosing the right one. Everyone looks for something different from their medical care, and physical therapy is no different. PT appointments are only the first step in getting healthier, but they truly help – especially when they’re successful.
Look for good physical therapists, quality clinics, and prompt, direct care.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapy Clinic
To start on your path to recovery, book your physical therapy appointment today – no prescription needed with direct access! Get started by visiting the BetterPT Clinic Location page or even download the BetterPT Physical Therapy appointment app. These resources can – and will – give you direct access to the right people. This way, you can begin (or help a loved one begin) the journey to better health. Along with direct access to physical therapy clinics near you, the BetterTelehealth network also provides access to virtual physical therapy appointments. Convenient, right?
Dr. Marla Ranieri graduated from Stanford University with her Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology in 2005 and went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2009. She has worked with all types of individuals, including professional athletes as part of the USA Gymnastics Medical Staff. Marla continues to treat patients with evidence-based medicine and the best quality of care.
