Benefits of Physical Therapy
In Recognition of National Physical Therapy Month (October)
In physical therapy, also known as PT, trained professionals evaluate and treat abnormal physical function related to an injury, disability, or other health conditions.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the goal of physical therapy (PT) or physiotherapy is to improve mobility, restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury by using a variety of methods, including exercises and stretches.
Physical therapists aim to improve a person's range of movement and quality of life and prevent further injury or disability. Licensed physical therapists work in a range of healthcare settings, including outpatient offices, private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health, sports and fitness settings, school, hospice services, occupational settings, government agencies, and research centers.
A physical therapist helps take care of patients in all phases of healing, from initial diagnosis to restorative and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option, or it may support other treatments. Some are referred to a physical therapist by a physician, some seek therapy on their own.
According to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a physical therapist receives training that enables them to:
- Conduct a physical exam and evaluation of a person's movement, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and performance, including finding out about their health history.
- Give a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care with short– and long-term goals
- Perform physical therapy treatment and intervention
- Give self-management recommendations,, including exercises a person can do at home
- Lontophoresis: This uses an electrical current to deliver certain medications, such as topical steroids. This can decrease the presence of inflammation.
- Electrical stimulation (e-stim): There are two types of e-stim. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain. By contrast, neuromuscular electrical stimulation works to stimulate muscular motor units to improve muscular engagement.
- Heat, moist heat,, and cold therapy: These may provide benefits to a range of conditions.
- Light therapy: This involves using special lights and lasers to treat certain medical conditions.
What are a few common conditions where physical therapy could benefit:
Although physical therapists may not directly and independently treat the medical condition other than pure musculoskeletal conditions, they work to optimize recovery or educate a person on how to optimize their movement patterns.
Some conditions that could benefit from physical therapy are:
- Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and post-myocardial infarction heart failure
- Conditions that affect the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction, including back pain, rotator cuff tears, and temporomandibular joint disorders
- Neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, *Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular dysfunction, and traumatic brain injuries
- Pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
- Sports-related injuries, such as concussion and tennis elbow
- Female health and pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and lymphedema
- Skin conditions or injuries, such as burns, wound care, and diabetic ulcers
Physical Therapy Benefits:
Depending on the reason for treatment, the benefits of physical therapy may include:
- Pain management with reduced need for opioids
- Avoiding surgery
- Improved mobility and movement
- Recovery from injury or trauma
- Recovery from stroke or paralysis
- Fall prevention
- Improved balance
- Management of age-related medical problems
A sports therapist can help an athlete maximize their performance by strengthening specific parts of the body and using muscles in new ways.
A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can advise individuals about the benefits specific to their personal medical history and their need for treatment.
Information collected from MEDICAL NEWS TODAY
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about
* Premier Therapy Group, operating out of DuBois Nursing Home Skilled Nursing and Rehab Care, offers a proven results program
for Parkinson's Disease called LSVT LOUD. For more information on this treatment therapy please call Christiana Fremer, Facility
Rehab Director, Speech-Language Pathologist with Premier Therapy at 814-375-9100.
Premier Therapy has kindly provided a few basic therapy exercises offered to many clients. For those who have been taking advantage of these exercises with the assistance of one of our trained therapists, clients are instructed to continue doing them on their own at home, for additional strengthening and recovery.
Always consult with a medical doctor before beginning any type of exercise or exercise program.
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
