Physical Therapy: What Exactly Is It?

Do you know what physical therapy is and how it can help you? In this post, we’ll cover what you need to know about this type of treatment and how you can benefit from it.

Overview of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be defined as the practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that hinder physical movement and function. Physical therapy helps individuals of all ages regain range of motion, experience less pain, and avoid disability. Physical therapists also develop customized programs for fitness and wellness to help their patients have healthier lives.

Physical therapy can occur in different settings for different purposes. For example, people with medical conditions can receive therapy in a nursing home, hospital, clinic, or in their own home. Athletes can receive therapy in a sports center or fitness facility. Others can receive therapy in outpatient clinics, private practices, or rehabilitation centers. Physical therapy centers may also be located inside schools or workplaces.

Only qualified physical therapists or physical therapist assistants are licensed to offer physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Visiting a Physical Therapist

If you need physical therapy, here is what you can expect when you visit a physical therapist for the first time.

Physical exam. The therapist will ask you about your medical history and perform an examination of your range of motion, flexibility, and posture.

Diagnosis. The therapist will assess your condition and provide an outline of goals in a treatment program.

Recommendations. The therapist will make recommendations regarding your activity level, resting periods, and at-home exercises.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Depending on your physical condition, you can receive the following benefits from physical therapy.

• Pain relief without medication
• Rehabilitation after injury
• Eliminated need for surgery
• Expanded range of motion
• Greater sense of balance
• Maximized sports performance
• Geriatric condition management
• Therapy for paralysis or stroke victims

Types of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be applied in many different conditions, including but not limited to the following examples.

• Cardiopulmonary conditions such as heart disease can be treated with the endurance and stamina exercises involved in physical therapy.
• Wounds can be treated through methods that promote better circulation such as massages, compression, and electrical stimulation.
• Back pain can be alleviated through the stretching and strengthening exercises in physical therapy.
• Balance issues can be corrected through physical therapy on the inner ear.
• Neurological disorders such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can be treated with physical therapy. The goals will include strengthening muscles, increasing reaction, and staving off muscle atrophy.
• Sports injuries can be rehabilitated through regular physical therapy treatments.
• Muscle injuries, tears, or weaknesses can be treated with orthopedic physical therapy. It can be used for sprains, fractures, chronic conditions, or in recovery from surgery.

• Delays in pediatric development can be treated with customized exercises that strengthen the musculoskeletal system in children.
• Geriatric conditions like arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis can be treated with physical therapy. Patients will gain mobility and experience less pain.
• Weakness of the pelvic floor can be corrected in patients with incontinence and pelvic pain.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Here at USA Health and Therapy, we will provide a customized plan based on your specific physical therapy needs. Reach out today for a free initial consultation. At that appointment, we’ll discuss your medical issues and come up with a plan of treatment.

About the Author: 

Dr. Singer has been a practicing chiropractor for more than 20 years, and USA Health & Therapy has been around since 2004. Over the course of his career, Singer has helped tens of thousands of people with all kinds of issues by using a wide variety of treatment strategies. He has extensive knowledge of chiropractic modalities, including Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop Table, and Activator, and in 1997 he earned a special adjunctive Chiropractic Certification in Spinal Trauma (CCST) to better provide care for car crash victims. Dr. Singer is licensed to practice chiropractic medicine in both Florida and New York.