Physical therapy is a health discipline that focuses on physical movement and function. Physical therapists use a variety of methods, such as therapeutic exercises, heat, cold, massage and electricity, to help people regain, improve and maintain their movement and physical function throughout their lives.
What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist can help you:
- Recovering from injuries: Whether it’s a sports injury, fracture or surgery, a physical therapist will guide you through a personalized rehabilitation plan to restore your mobility and strength.
- Manage pain: If you suffer from chronic or acute pain, a physical therapist can teach you techniques to manage pain and improve your quality of life.
- Prevent injuries: Through exercises and advice, a physical therapist can help you prevent future injuries and improve your posture and body alignment.
- Improve your mobility: If you have difficulty moving or performing daily activities, a physical therapist can help you regain your independence and improve your quality of life.
- Manage chronic diseases: Conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can affect your mobility. A physical therapist can help you manage these symptoms and improve your function.
When is a physical therapist needed?
Physical therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sports injuries
- Fractures
- Surgeries
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Arthritis
- Sprains
- Distensions
- Strokes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neurological diseases
How does a physical therapy session work?
During a physical therapy session, a physical therapist will assess your condition, set goals and guide you through a personalized exercise and treatment program. Techniques used may include:
- Therapeutic exercises: Designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and restore movement.
- Manual therapy: Massage and manipulation techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Electrotherapy: Use of electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain.
- Thermal therapy: Use of heat or cold to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy is an essential part of recovery and rehabilitation for many conditions. If you are experiencing pain, limitation of movement or difficulty performing daily activities, a physical therapist can help you improve your quality of life.
