Physical therapists have excellent knowledge of how the body moves. They can help in any phase of the healing process either as a one-time treatment or ongoing therapy. While many people will visit a physical therapist after surgery, you can utilize physical therapy for a wide range of benefits. Here, the expert physical therapists at Cary Orthopaedics Physical Therapy discuss the value of physical therapy.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists are highly-trained, licensed medical professionals with expertise in diagnosing physical abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system. Their main goal is to improve the quality and quantity of movement through prescribed exercises, hands-on care and patient education. Physical therapists examine each patient and develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. A physical therapist cares for patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis or injury through the restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments.
Advantages of physical therapy include:
- Pain management
- Avoiding surgery
- Improved mobility and movement
- Recover from injury or trauma
- Improved balance
- Return to activities
- Teach coping strategies for dealing with pain
- Promoting physical activity
- Management of age-related medical problems
What to expect from your physical therapy appointment
Whenever you visit a physical therapist, you can expect to receive a physical exam as well as an evaluation of your posture and movement abilities. After your assessment, the physical therapist can accurately diagnose any issues that need to be addressed and answer any questions. Your physical therapist can also help you to determine the best course of treatment. Your physical therapist will often give you exercises to do at home to help strengthen your body as well as in-office movements performed with special equipment.
Injury prevention
Physical therapists will advise you on the best ways to move your body efficiently as you age. By evaluating your body’s weaknesses, imbalances and any risk factors, your physical therapist can help you avoid additional pain. Being proactive in your efforts to build up your body’s strength and understanding what you need to work on will help to manage your current condition as well as prevent further injury.
Proper ergonomics
If you work in an office, you may experience poor posture from sitting for long periods. When you remain in one position or make repetitive movements, it can result in strains caused by an improper work area and improper use of tools. For example, if you are sitting hunched over in your chair, you may experience back pain. If you are continually looking down at a computer screen or a cell phone, you can experience neck pain. In fact, looking down at a cell phone can put up to 10 pounds of extra weight on your head and neck. Seeking guidance from a physical therapist about pain caused by your work environment can help you assess how to manage pain and improve posture. With their help, you can determine how to create an ergonomic office set-up that promotes good posture and puts less strain on your body, resulting in less pain.
Strengthening and mobility exercises
Even if you are physically active regularly, you may still experience pain or limited mobility. Thankfully, you can promote increased flexibility by visiting a physical therapy office and performing exercises with your physical therapist’s guidance. Your physical therapist will design specific exercises for your body to take the stress of muscles and joints by strengthening areas that tend to be weaker or stiff. You can safely build flexibility through static and dynamic stretching by utilizing their skilled knowledge of body movement.
Chronic pain management
If you are suffering from chronic pain, a physical therapist can provide movements and tips to cope with your pain better. Experiencing sleepless nights due to chronic pain will continue to wear you down and make you feel less than your best, often making daily life a challenge. To get back the life you had before, make an appointment with a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help you find the right exercises to promote healing and strengthening while increasing endurance and reducing pain. Learn the difference between chronic and acute pain and when you may need surgery. You will no longer have to suffer from pain if you know how to combat it with physical therapy.
How you can benefit from physical therapy
Physical therapists can treat a myriad of issues, depending on their specialty. Some of the most common conditions include, acute and chronic pain, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, sprains and strains, decreased mobility, muscle imbalances and weakness, difficulties with daily activities, decreased capacity for recreational and sports specific activities, post-operative care, and so much more.
Whether you are searching for ways to improve your mobility and strength, need relief from chronic pain or wish to improve your balance, physical therapy can help you meet your physical goals. It is also a great way to avoid invasive surgery and promote healing.
Because physical therapists treat such a variety of conditions, it is crucial to see the right therapist for your ailments. Cary Orthopaedics Physical Therapy offers not only general orthopaedic physical therapy and occupational therapy, but spine-specific physical therapy at Cary Orthopaedic Spine Center as well.
Physical therapy in Raleigh
The team at Cary Orthopaedics Physical Therapy specializes in both general orthopaedics and spine-specific conditions. Check out our website to see which locations are best suited for you.
Working closely with our physicians, our physical therapists makes your full recovery our number one goal. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our top-rated physical therapy and rehabilitation experts.
