Physical therapy deals with treating problems with the musculoskeletal system. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists are “experts in the science of healing and the art of caring”. From infants to seniors, many people can benefit from physical therapy.
The main goal of physical therapy is to promote whole body function. This can include restoring mobility, improving mobility and managing pain. Treatment is designed to give the best possible body function to each individual patient. Physical therapy can help people return to independence after a serious injury or illness.
On the healing side, physical therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sports or work-related injuries, including repetitive strain injuries, sprains, or falls
- Balance and mobility issues
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Leg (knee, ankle, foot) and arm (shoulder, hand, wrist) problems
- Post-stroke rehabilitation
- Head injury rehabilitation
- Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
- Conditioning and strengthening before and/or after surgery
A combination of therapeutic exercise and functional training are the basic building blocks of a physical therapy session. The methods are non-invasive and non-medical (they don’t use drugs); physical therapy may compliment surgical or drug therapies or may take the place of surgical or drug therapies for patients.
Some physical therapy modalities include (but are not limited to):
- Heat: useful for helping tight muscles to relax and improving circulation. Can also relieve pain.
- Cold: useful for decreasing inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Electrical stimulation: used to cause a specific muscle group to contract, which can increase circulation and muscle strength.
On the caring side, physical therapy comes with a hands-on component that makes this treatment stand out. Therapist and patient work side by side — often for a long period of time — to set and reach recovery and health goals. A physical therapist is a lot like a coach or trainer, guiding the patient through recovery.
If you think you have a health issue that would benefit from physical therapy, talk to your doctor.