Top 10 Key Benefits to Physical Therapy

Reasons for participating in physical therapy sessions vary but one thing is for certain: there are multiple benefits to receiving physical therapy. Common reasons range anywhere from recovering from a surgery, amputation, or stroke to fall prevention and age-related health problems including osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint discomfort. Here are 10 key benefits to receiving Physical Therapy:

1. Improve Mobility. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore your ability to move as well as improve any balance issues. This is beneficial for anyone who is having trouble walking, standing on their own or moving in general. Physical Therapists can also assist individuals with the use of an assistive device such as a cane or crutches.
2. Injury and Fall Prevention. A key focus of physical therapy is recognizing weak or vulnerable areas of the patient’s body and creating a plan that will strengthen those areas. During this, a careplan can be put together so that exercises that mimic real-life situations are used. These movements will improve muscles so that balance is restored, and joints are improved. This combination is critical in preventing future injuries or falls.
3. Pain Management. Chronic pain is an issue that affects you physically but can also be mentally taxing especially when the cause is unknown. Physical Therapy offers exercises and techniques that can relieve pain and improve joint movement as well as restore lost muscle. Not only will pain be relieved, but by using the techniques consistently even after discharge can prevent the pain from returning, allowing you to manage your pain long term.
4. Manage Diabetic Conditions. Managing diabetes has many facets. Exercise has proven to be effective in controlling blood sugar. Physical therapists can create individual management plans that can include aerobic exercises and weight strengthening. Loss of sensation in the legs and feet is a common issue with diabetic patients as well. Physical therapy can address those issues, as well.
5. Avoid Surgery. When issues are presented to a Physical Therapist before they become critical, it is possible that healing from an injury or eliminating pain can be achieved through physical therapy sessions. If surgery is still a requirement after physical therapy sessions, it is probable that your recovery time will be shorter since you are in better shape and stronger before going into surgery.
6. Post-Surgery Recovery. Sometimes surgery is required without warning. Recovering after surgery in a Rehabilitation Hospital can be the best solution to get you back to living quicker than without physical therapy. Commonly, the best benefit from an inpatient stay is to restore function, build strength and ease pain.
7. Avoid Dependence on Pain Medication. After surgery it is common to handle both short-term and long-term pain with medication. Because many pain medications are opioid based, it is possible to become too dependent on them long term with devastating effects. Because physical therapy focuses on relieving pain through exercise and specific movements, the need for pain medication is eventually no longer needed.
8. Manage Age-Related Issues. An often-overlooked advantage of Physical Therapy is managing age-related health issues including arthritis, joint pains, osteoporosis, or even joint replacement. Exercise regimens can be put in place to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with these issues conservatively. Additionally, physical therapy can improve cardiovascular function which can be a concern as we age.
9. Stroke Recovery. After experiencing a stroke, it is common to lose some degree of function and/or movement. This varies as each patient is unique. Physical therapy helps strengthen the parts of the body that have lost function and allow patients to gain independent living quickly. The sessions also focus on daily activities so that the transition back home is not as stressful.
10. Personalized Care. No matter your reason for seeking physical therapy, it is guaranteed that your plan of care will be one unlike any other. This is because your specialized plan is made specifically for YOU after you are introduced to your physical therapist. Every patient is a unique case therefore your care will be personalized to you specifically. No cookie-cutter care here.

If you find yourself with additional questions about how physical therapy can help you or a family member, always seek the advice of your primary health care provider first. If you have specific questions about the services provided by Everest Rehabilitation Hospitals and how we can assist you on your physical therapy journey, feel free to visit our website www.everestrehab.com or give your local Everest Rehabilitation Hospital a call. We are here for you.