What Makes Physical Therapy Unique

What makes physical therapy unique is in its approach, benefits and offerings in many different ways. Regardless of one’s age, from children to the elderly, physical therapy can help resolve various issues which pertain to a person’s physical function and motion. It could be defined as a biomechanical service that aims to, through development, maintenance or restoration, effect maximum movement and bodily function in the life of an individual. 

A patient who decides to embark on physical therapy, is assured of the following:

A physical examination and evaluation of their posture, movement, flexibility, as well as the motion and performance of their muscles and joints.

Clinical diagnosis, prognosis care-plan, and specific short- and long-term goals.

Therapeutic (physical) treatment based on the examinations, evaluations and diagnosis.

Recommendations for self-management in order to minimize future risks to injuries or illnesses.

What Makes Physical Therapy Unique: A Whole Body Approach

Physical therapy can be done exclusively or in alliance with other forms of treatments. Unlike other forms of therapy, physical therapy works in consideration of the physical, psychological, emotional and social togetherness of the patient. 

Interestingly, there is more to physical therapy than just physical manipulation. The process of physical therapy may also involve

Manual therapy

Exercises and stretching

Electrical stimulation

Heat (dry, moist) and cold (ice or frozen gel packs, coolant sprays, ice massage and baths, cryotherapy)

Your therapist will inform you of the best method of treatment for you.

What Makes Physical Therapy Unique: What You Can Expect

Physical therapy is unique in so many ways. Some of which are listed here.

Recovery

In many cases, physical therapy is indispensable to the rehabilitation programs of patients with various kinds of injuries, or who have undergone surgeries. It is renowned for shortening recovery time from injuries.

Usually when a part of one’s body becomes stiff or immobile due to a joint, ligament or muscle injury, the exercises that occur during physical therapy, before long do increase the functionality of that part of the body. It can also help reduce aches and pains once associated with that part of the body.

Overall improvement in one’s health and fitness

In addition to increasing the functionality of injured parts of a person’s body, physical therapy can improve the overall function of one’s internal organs (heart, lungs) and assist with more fluidity and stability (balance) in a person’s motion.

Averting the need for, aiding recovery from surgery

Despite the occasional necessity for surgery, there is no denying that surgeries can be very expensive and risky. Physical therapy can help in various ways. It can either — through the patient’s participation — avert the need for surgery altogether, or as mentioned earlier, enable the patient to recover faster from an inevitable surgery.

Managing certain illnesses

For patients suffering from diabetes, or other age related illnesses such as arthritis and osteoporosis, physical therapy can help make the pain associated with these illnesses more manageable.

[Learn more: How Does Physical Therapy Help With Pain Management]

Physical therapy helps treat children who have issues with conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Now that you know more about what makes physical therapy unique…

….enlist the help of one of the therapists at Above & Beyond Physical Therapy to help you experience any and all of the benefits listed above. Contact us today.