What is Physical Therapy? 

October is National Physical Therapy Month! During this month, we celebrate the people who make physical therapy possible: physical therapists, of course! What exactly is physical therapy? Physical therapy is the evaluation and treatment of an injury, disease, or disability using physical methods. A physical therapist is a trained and licensed professional who helps treat patients from the beginning stages to recovery. Doctors often refer patients to a physical therapist, but in some cases, patients will pursue treatment on their own. 

Meeting With a Therapist

When meeting with a physical therapist for the first time, a patient’s overall health history will be discussed. The therapist will conduct a physical exam and evaluation. The evaluation may consist of looking at posture, muscle performance, movement, and flexibility. The therapist will then diagnose and develop a treatment plan that will include goals that aim toward recovery. At-home exercises may also be recommended for patients to do on their own. 

Types of Physical Therapy

People seek treatment for various conditions, which means there are many different types of physical therapies available. Some of these include orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric, vestibular, and neurological therapies, plus cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

This type of therapy helps with treating musculoskeletal injuries. These include fractures, sprains, tendonitis, chronic medical problems, and recovery from orthopedic surgery. 

Pediatric Physical Therapy 

Pediatric physical therapy involves the diagnosis and treatment of infants and young children. Some therapists help patients who suffer from developmental problems like cerebral palsy and spina bifida. 

Geriatric Physical Therapy 

As people become older, they can lose their mobility as well as struggle physically due to various conditions. Physical therapy can be utilized to help patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, hip replacements, and more. 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Therapies

Patients with heart and circulatory problems would benefit from these types of therapy. With treatment, patients can increase their stamina and endurance. 

Vestibular Therapy 

Balance problems can result from inner ear conditions. With vestibular therapy, patients can engage in exercise and techniques to help with both balance and coordination. 

Neurological Physical Therapy 

This type of therapy helps with neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and strokes.  

Benefits of Physical Therapy 

Patients choose physical therapy for a reason. Physical therapy treatment plans are developed to help patients get back to a healthy, active lifestyle as well as improve their quality of life without undergoing surgical procedures. Each plan is individualized to the patient, based on their condition and needs. Some benefits of physical therapy include pain management, improved mobility, flexibility, and balance, as well as recovery from serious injuries, strokes, or paralysis. 

Trust the Physical Therapists At Sports & Spine to Treat Your Injuries

Raise awareness for National Physical Therapy Month! Physical therapy is key for recovery, better health, and a stronger future. At Sports & Spine Orthopaedics, we use physical therapy services to treat musculoskeletal injuries of all kinds. We use the latest medical techniques to treat ankle and foot, elbow, hand and wrist, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, back, neck, and pediatric injuries. Our vigorous yet safe, onsite physical therapy will restore your quality of life. Get back to your lifestyle and function as you once did before. Book an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians today.

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