Physical therapy: who it can benefit and how it can help
Physical therapy is a conservative medical option for anyone that is in pain, feels that their muscles are weakened, feels stiff or tight, has experienced falls or feels unsteady, just had surgery or is contemplating surgery, or may just want to get back into an exercise routine.
A physical therapist can evaluate you, in most states without a doctor’s referral, and recommend a plan of care to begin addressing any ailments. Physical therapists are trained professionals that will refer back to the appropriate doctor if and when necessary.
How does a physical therapist help?
Oftentimes, a physical therapist will assess mobility, strength, functional movement, and any particular activities that are bothering a person. From there, a plan is developed to restore him/her to previous level of function, or to optimize their overall function. Physical therapists will continue to assess patients’ response to given interventions each visit and progress/regress activities as necessary.
The goal of physical therapy is tailored to each individual depending on their individual needs and goals. The plan is typically to reduce any pain that is causing limitations, become independent with certain activities, and return to a prior level of functioning. It is common to see patients more often in the beginning of their plan and taper down to less frequent visits as they become more independent on their own and symptoms begin to resolve.
If you are wondering if physical therapy may be beneficial for you, give us a call. We would love to help you return to activities you may be limited from at this time. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor who can also refer you to a physical therapist. Or you can book an appointment with us online or check out our digital courses and downloads.
