Physical therapy is often prescribed to treat injuries and chronic conditions that disrupt the normal function of joints, muscles, bones, and nerves. It’s a treatment where physical therapists work with patients to restore their mobility by increasing strength and flexibility. Physical therapy can also be prescribed for medical conditions like arthritis or cancer that cause pain. But physical therapy also is prescribed for basic and preventative reasons. Physical therapists will prescribe exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and balance, and relieve pain. While they are exercises (or stretches), they are typically much easier to perform in comparison with other exercises prescribed to improve fitness. These exercises are somewhat limited in how much force or power you can safely apply without injuring yourself.
What is physical therapy exercise, and how does it work?
Physical therapy exercise is a short-term treatment focusing on helping patients restore function and correct movement patterns by restoring normal joint movements and positioning. Physical therapy exercise aims to maintain or improve fitness and function in people who are disabled by injuries or conditions such as arthritis. Physical therapists are trained to detect, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. They use exercises or other techniques to help patients regain full strength, flexibility, range of motion, or muscle endurance.
Physical therapists are often involved with other treatments besides just prescribing exercises. Physical therapists often help patients to learn alternative ways to accomplish everyday tasks or try to modify the patient’s home to make things easier. For example, if a patient has a shoulder injury, the physical therapist would teach them exercises they can do at home and how to lift objects in their home to isolate the muscles and avoid stress on the injured shoulder. A physical therapist may talk with a patient’s doctor about medications that relieve pain and swelling. Some physical therapists will also teach patients exercises they can do at home to help relieve pain and swelling. The therapist may also recommend a patient work with a personal trainer or attend physical therapy exercise school to learn more exercises and routines to help them identify areas of weakness and build upon them.
What type of patient typically receives this form of therapy?
Many different types of people use physical therapy exercise for different reasons. For example, athletes use physical therapy exercise after an injury or surgery to recover from injury and improve their performance. Physical therapists may work with dancers, athletes, or other performers to improve their skills. People with arthritis may receive physical therapy exercise to help ease joint pain and stiffness; physical therapists also help patients increase flexibility and restore the normal range of motion.
Seniors may have mobility issues, poor balance, or muscle loss, and physical therapists may work with them to slow the effects of aging. Seniors in many assisted living facilities can also benefit from physical therapy exercise. Physical therapists have different levels of training and expertise. There are more than 130,000 physical therapists in the U.S., not including sports medicine specialists.
Physical therapists can also help people who have been hurt in a car accident or lost a limb due to surgery or an accident. Physical therapists may work with patients with balance problems or difficulty walking due to nerve damage. They can help people relearn how to walk. Other patients can benefit from physical therapy exercise after brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, stroke and arthritis.
Acute conditions requiring rehabilitation may require only physical therapy a few times a week for a few days or weeks; chronic conditions such as back pain may require ongoing treatment for several months. Physical therapists are trained to use exercises to help improve function and movement. Patients may do stretching, resistance training (such as weight-lifting), or other types of exercises to improve strength or endurance. Physical therapists also use various tools and equipment to help patients balance or upper body strength. Physical therapists may also teach a person how to perform tasks safely if they have problems with mobility or balance. They may offer tips on lifting objects and using stairs safely or teach patients exercises they can do at home. Some physical therapists will also suggest exercises to help relieve pain and stiffness. Physical therapists often work closely with patients’ doctors to help patients get better.
Common Conditions It Can Treat
Physical therapists are formally trained and certified to treat various joint and muscle pain. Physical therapists are trained to identify areas of weakness and build muscle strength and endurance. Here are common conditions it can treat:
Arthritis
Persistent pain, swelling, and limited joint motion are early symptoms of arthritis. Some treatments focus on improving the range of motion and strengthening muscles to decrease pain and stiffness. Patients often need physical therapy exercise for chronic pain caused by arthritis.
Pain
Pain can be caused by many factors, such as infection or fractures. Physical therapists use treatments that promote movement, reduce swelling and stiffness, and alleviate pain.
Sports injuries
Physical therapists are trained to treat acute injuries and work to prevent future injuries for athletes or those who pursue a physically active lifestyle. Some common sports-related injuries include lower back pain, muscle strains, neck pain, head injuries and even spinal disc herniations.
Stroke rehabilitation
Physical therapy exercise can help patients regain strength, balance, and coordination after a stroke. Some physical therapists may focus on improving upper body strength for patients who have had a stroke.
Spine disorders
Physical therapists can help with a wide variety of spine disorders. Some common spine problems include scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoporosis. Physical therapists may use heat or cold packs on the patient’s neck or back to relieve pain and swelling.
The benefits of using this therapy in tandem with chiropractic adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are the most important tool in any chiropractor’s arsenal to help their patients. However, a physical therapist can help patients rehabilitate and heal by using exercises targeted at specific areas of the body. Most physical therapists treat everything that isn’t spine related—and if they don’t, they’re usually well-informed enough to know where they should be focusing their efforts while rehabilitating their patient. Here are some benefits of having a physical therapist work in tandem with your chiropractic adjustments:
It builds awareness of posture and alignment.
Good posture is extremely important, especially as people get older. A physical therapist will find areas in their patients that they might not be able to see themselves, such as shoulder misalignment or leg length issues. Even in children, looking at posture and alignment can make patients aware of what habits they can change to build posture.
It builds a connection between body and mind.
Physical therapists work closely with their patients to help them heal from unrelated conditions. Physical therapists might work on improving self-esteem or simply encouraging their patients to understand that they can do things independently, like taking a walk or going up the stairs when they feel ready.
It steers away from using pills.
Physical therapy exercise works to help people heal naturally, and it does so by working with their brains and bodies. Some medical professionals think physical therapy exercise is a last resort before surgery, but physical therapists beg to differ. They want their patients to be active in their exercises and work with them instead of going through the motions of rehabilitation. Physical therapists will suggest exercises and even give brace or rehab material for patients unable or unwilling to get out of bed.
It gives patients a chance to be active.
Technological advances have made it easier than ever for physical therapists to do a good job of rehabilitating injured or disabled patients. Using this therapy in tandem with a physical therapist, patients can be active as they work with their bodies and learn how to perform daily tasks that require using muscles that are still strong or even building muscles all over again.
It gives patients a chance to gain independence.
Physical therapists use a variety of tools and equipment for their patients. They also work closely with patients to make them aware of self-care tasks they may need help with.
FAQs
What exactly is physical therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a rehabilitation treatment that can help people who have had major injuries and are recovering from surgery or chronic conditions regain their strength and mobility.
Is physical therapy the same as massage therapy?
Not at all. Massage therapy is a relaxing method of treatment where patients, who are often naked, are massaged with oils or lotion. In physical therapy, patients don’t wear anything and are covered with a towel for the convenience of the physical therapist. However, the message is similar to the one provided by a chiropractor—the only difference is that the use of force is unnecessary and it’s all done manually without any instruments.
Is physical therapy painful?
Physical therapy is a lot less painful than one might think. The use of heat or stretching can be uncomfortable at first but gradually becomes easier as the patient adjusts to it.
Is physical therapy effective?
A. Well, that’s up to the patient whether PT works for them or not, as it is different for everyone. However, in general, it is effective for most patients who want to recover from an injury or some chronic conditions such as arthritis, neck pain and many more.
How long does physical therapy exercise take?
It depends on the severity of the condition and how much time the patient has to dedicate to recovery. Generally, it would take at least six weeks for patients in the early stages of treatment. It could take up to a year and a half for severe chronic conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure, based on the individual’s case.
What equipment do you need?
You need a physical therapist and equipment such as exercise balls, sheets, therapeutic socks and towels. Depending on your condition, you can also purchase various exercise machines from the market.
Are you able to use prescription drugs while undergoing physical therapy?
No, if you want to take prescription drugs, you must stop all treatments or be careful about not taking them.
