How Long Should Physical Therapy Last?

How Long Should Physical Therapy Last? hover background

Jul 01
2018

How Long Should Physical Therapy Last?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long patients need to attend physical therapy, there are some important things to consider when you are looking at how long should physical therapy last.

Physical therapy is provided by qualified health professionals and makes use of a range of techniques to help promote health and well being. It can be used to improve movement and strength and can be of real benefit to a wide range of conditions.

The length of time you will need to attend physical therapy will depend on:

-The extent of your injuries

-If your condition is improving through a physical therapy program

-Your progress on pain relief

-If you are seeing improved range of motion

-Whether you are continuing to build strength

-If your goals are being achieved through physical therapy

You will know that you are nearing the end of your physical therapy sessions when the following are achieved:

-Pain is reduced or eliminated

-Healing has occurred

-Function is improved

-Range of motion and strength is increased

For different types of conditions and injuries, you can expect the following timelines for your physical therapy treatment plan:

  • Minor injuries= 2-3 sessions followed by a recommended home exercise program. You can check in with your physical therapy for future sessions based on an as needed basis in the future.
  • Soft tissue injuries= 6-8 weeks. That’s how long it takes soft tissue to heal in most cases. Your physical therapist will work with you during this time to speed along the healing process and make sure your body is healing properly.
  • Chronic or serious conditions= 2-3 months or longer, depending on the level of progress being made and the rate at which your health and wellness goals are being achieved.

What Conditions A Physical Therapy Program Can Help

Physical therapy can be used to treat and manage a variety of conditions including back and neck pain, joint and muscle stiffness and soft tissue injuries. It can also be built into the management and recovery plans of conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. It can help aid recovery in those who have suffered from a stroke by helping them to overcome the physical effects of a stroke. This might include overcoming difficulties with balance, coordination and movement. Physical therapists can help patients to maintain their independence by providing treatment that will help to build up their strength and agility.

When seeing a physical therapist, a patient will normally be advised on the best way of managing their condition and how long physical therapy should last. They may be given exercises to do at home to help build up strength and movement. A physical therapist may also provide advice on making the most of disability aids and equipment to support independent living and help make a condition more manageable.

How Long Should Physical Therapy Last?

You can stop physical therapy when either your goal is achieved, you need to move to another course of treatment, or a home program recommended by your physical therapist is sufficient to help you achieve your goals after an initial few sessions with your therapist.

How long physical therapy should last is a decision that is between you and your therapist. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to help you achieve your primary goals of physical therapy during rehabilitation and will help you also determine when the appropriate time to either stop physical therapy or continue with a home program will be.

People of all ages can benefit from physical therapy. Its holistic approach to health enables people to feel that their health needs and requirements are being considered when an individual treatment plan is put in place. Speaking to a physical therapist often enables people to feel more confident about managing their condition effectively and gives them a greater sense of well-being and self-confidence.

Contact us for an evaluation today.

Locations

Queen Creek Location
21321 E. Ocotillo Rd., Suite 122
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Ph: 480.987.1870
F: 480.987.9289

Phoenix
3201 W. Peoria Ave., Suite D800
Phoenix, AZ 85029
Ph: 602.866.2231
F: 602.866.2261