When it comes to health and well-being, staying active is key, especially as we age. Physical therapy (PT) plays a critical role in helping people support mobility, recover from injuries, and manage chronic conditions. In honor of National Physical Therapy Month, let’s explore the benefits of PT and how it can transform lives.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a common treatment focused on helping individuals improve movement, manage pain, and regain strength and flexibility. Through exercises, massages, heat and cold, ultrasound, and other applications, PT aims to recover health and show patients what they can do themselves to improve their own well-being. Whether recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic condition, or rehabilitating from an injury, physical therapists work to restore function and improve overall quality of life.
Who needs physical therapy?
Physical therapy is for people of all ages and conditions. In a recent poll, 51% responding had PT at some point in their lives; for those 55 and older, 60% had seen a physical therapist. PT can help with a wide variety of medical issues, including:
- cardiopulmonary conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain and arthritis.
- neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
- sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow.
- female health, like hysterectomy recovery.
- skin injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers.
For seniors, PT can make a world of difference in maintaining independence by reinforcing strength and balance.
The benefits of physical therapy
Although PT doesn’t directly treat all medical conditions, it can provide benefits to improve the quality of life in:
- Pain management. PT can help alleviate pain caused by injuries or chronic conditions through targeted exercises and manual therapy.
- Recovery support. After surgery or an injury, PT aids in the rehabilitation process, helping to restore strength and mobility.
- Improved mobility and balance. PT can improve range of motion and coordination which is particularly important for those at risk of falls.
- Overall independence. By teaching them how to manage their conditions and prevent future complications, PT empowers individuals to live more independently.
- Preventive care. PT isn’t just about recovery—it’s also about preventing future issues by addressing mobility limitations early on.
The physical therapy process
Everyone is different, so the process will be unique based on the individual’s circumstances. For the most part, here are some basics that may be used:
- Assessment and diagnosis. A physical therapist evaluates the condition, finds areas of concern, and figures out the root cause of pain or mobility issues.
- Customized treatment plan. Based on the evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created to address unique needs, goals, and expectations.
- Therapeutic exercises. Exercises crucial to the recovery process and tailored to the individual’s physical abilities are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Pain management. Techniques like manual therapy, heat/cold treatment, and electrical stimulation are used to address pain and promote healing.
- Recovery and progress monitoring. Throughout the course of treatment, the physical therapist tracks progress and adjusts the plan as needed to achieve recovery goals.
At Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions, we understand how important physical therapy is for maintaining quality of life, especially for older adults. Our team provides personalized care that meets the unique needs of each client, ensuring they can lead independent, fulfilling lives. More than 80% of our rehab residents improve their independent mobility, surpassing state and national averages. This National Physical Therapy Month, explore the many ways rehabilitation at Four Seasons Healthcare Solutions can help you or your loved ones thrive.
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Sources: Cleveland Clinic; NIH; Medical News Today; You.Gov; WebMD; VeryWell Health
