Physical therapy is an essential part of total patient care, especially when recovering from injury or surgery. Having a good quality of life depends on our health, and if we are in constant pain and suffering, life can be difficult to navigate.
Physical therapists utilize scientific-based clinical treatment methods to restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function. They work with patients one-on-one, track their progress through treatment, and really make a difference in their patient’s lives by getting them back on their feet, lifting their spirits, and encouraging them to keep moving forward. Whether the patient’s problem is a result of injury or disease, the physical therapist is a rehabilitation specialist with one goal in mind: helping patients recover.
Most importantly, physical therapists are highly educated experts in the movement and function of the human body, called kinesiology. Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of a physical therapy treatment plan. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, in order to promote proper movement and function, physical therapists will work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs, for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical Therapy as a Preventative Treatment
Working to restore a patient’s functionality, mobility, and strength, helps prevent further damage to the area being treated and decreases or eliminates the need for treatments such as medicines, injections, and more.
- Prevent the Need for Surgery: Although there are situations when surgery is inevitable, in some cases, physical therapy can delay or eliminate the need for surgery. Doctors reserve surgery as a last resort in most cases. They prescribe other treatments such as physical therapy to aid in the healing process and ease symptoms such as weakness and pain.
- Prevent Injuries: A key aspect of physical therapy is assessing vulnerable areas in a patient’s body. From this assessment, physical therapists can identify the patient’s risk of injury to the area. Physical therapists craft individualized plans to help strengthen and prevent injuries to these weak spots. Their exercises target specific groups of muscles, tendons, and ligaments which work together to strengthen the area and prevent injury. In the case of athletes, physical therapists can determine the risks and early signs of injury. With these assessments, they can create either a prevention or recovery plan to ensure the safety of the player.
Physical Therapy for Rehabilitation and Recovery
Physical therapy also helps in strengthening the body and improving movement after an injury or surgery. For example, patients with arthritis and in need of hip, knee, or other joint replacement turn to physical therapy to help them recover after surgery.
- Pain Management: Patients can experience a lot of pain while recovering from surgery. Regular exercise and physical therapy techniques allow the body to heal faster and better, while alleviating pain by using therapeutic exercises which restore orthopedic functions
- Maximize Movement and Improve Balance: Physical therapy is great for people who want to recover or improve their mobility after surgery or injury. Physical therapists can identify, diagnose, and treat movement-related issues. For example, if you have difficulty bending your knee or elbow, physical therapy can help you regain good mobility.
Physical Therapy for Other Health Conditions
Physical therapy is not just for people with specific conditions or for after surgery or injury. Physical therapy is used for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Manage Age-Related Health Problems: A lot of people develop conditions like arthritis as they age, which cause mobility and functionality issues as well as a lot of pain. Regular physical therapy can help with such conditions. In some cases, physical therapy can help delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery.
- Athletic Improvement: Specific workout exercises can improve the endurance of athletes to give them an edge. These treatments enhance coordination, too. There are stretching and strengthening techniques to train the body to move better. With these exercises, players improve flexibility and strengthen their muscles, which helps them be in better shape.
- Improve Cardiovascular Functions: Physical therapy can improve your cardiovascular health. Physical therapy keeps you active and gets the blood pumping. For patients who do not get exercise, physical therapy can get you moving in a safe way so you don’t incur injuries in the process of exercising. Physical therapy can also help you burn calories and lose weight through safe and effective exercises. This can help your overall health and well-being.
Raleigh Orthopaedic Therapy Services offers comprehensive physical therapy and hand therapy services throughout the Triangle, to help patients live more active and comfortable lives. The Raleigh Orthopaedic Therapy Services team specializes in treating bone, joint, spine and muscle conditions and is recognized as a premier facility for providing the highest quality rehabilitation services available. Our therapists work closely with our physicians to design treatment plans specifically tailored for each patient. The department provides physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as sports performance training from nine locations, which can be found in Morrisville, Raleigh, Wakefield, Cary, Holly Springs, Garner, West Cary-Panther Creek, and Clayton.
For more information about our Therapy Services, visit our website or call 919-863-6996