Physical therapy is an evidence-based practice that helps people of all ages to improve, maintain or restore their mobility and reduce the need for surgery and prescription drugs.
Many people are surprised to learn that a wealth of benefits can be gained from physical therapy. Below are seven reasons why it is so important.
Better Overall Health
MSK physical therapy has a lot to offer, whether you’re recovering from a recent injury or simply looking to get back in shape. Those who exercise regularly and continue to see their therapist for stretches and exercises can have better overall health and energy levels.
Chronic pain patients can also benefit from a physical therapist’s treatment plan. They use various techniques to reduce and manage pain, including manual therapy and specialized exercise, depending on the specific problem or condition.
Physical therapists also provide many other benefits to their patients, such as improving self-esteem and overall quality of life. They also teach patients how to prevent future injuries and help them manage chronic conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Pain Relief
Millions of people suffer from pain daily and are looking for a solution. Doctors often prescribe medications like pain relievers, but these don’t address the root cause of your problem and have many side effects.
Physical therapy is a non-drug treatment that uses various techniques to reduce or eliminate pain. It can include exercises, manual therapy, and treatments based on physical stimuli such as heat, cold, electrical currents, or ultrasound.
Unlike pills, which mask pain and only provide short-term relief, physical therapy treats the source of your pain so you can feel better in the long run. It also helps you understand why pain is happening and what you can do to prevent it in the future.
Better Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of your body’s health and well-being. It allows your body’s systems to function properly and repair damaged tissues.
Fortunately, physical therapists often have knowledge and expertise in helping their patients get the rest they need to feel better. Whether it’s through exercises, positioning strategies, or sleep hygiene, your PT can help you improve the quality of your sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
A 2017 study in the American Physical Therapy Association’s Journal revealed that 62 percent of PT clients report sleep disturbance multiple nights per week, so it’s clear that sleep health is an issue many people face. In addition, the research suggests that PTs and therapist assistants can play an essential role in raising awareness of sleep health among their patients.
Increased Mobility
Physical therapy can be beneficial to those who have mobility problems due to a variety of medical conditions. These include arthritis and joint pain, post-surgery complications, orthopedic issues, and neurological diseases or disorders that affect movement.
A physical therapist can help you improve your mobility and flexibility through stretching and strengthening exercises. Depending on your needs, the physical therapist may use hands-on treatments or teach you special activities you can perform at home.
A study found that physical therapists led an effort to increase the percentage of hospitalized patients who could ambulate within 72 hours after being admitted to an ICU or IMCU. In addition, they worked with the nursing staff to improve the frequency of mobility interventions and promote patient mobilization.
Better Nutrition
Many physical therapists focus on exercise and mobility, but nutrition is also essential for recovery. A well-balanced diet helps your body heal faster and prevents inflammation.
Your PT will assess your needs during a consultation. They’ll look at your pain and symptoms, how you function, and what you’re trying to achieve.
The PT will then develop a plan of care to help you with your symptoms. It may include exercises or other therapies that you can do at home to help with your symptoms.
Reduced Risk of Disease
If you suffer from a chronic disease, physical therapy can help you manage it better. It’s also an excellent way to prevent it from getting worse.
Besides lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke, physical therapy can help you avoid or reduce the need for painkillers or anti-inflammatories. In addition, physical therapists can teach you how to move better, which can improve your overall health in other ways.
For example, manual therapy treatments like soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and targeted exercises can relieve pain and restore joint and muscle function. These methods also help to keep pain from returning after treatment is over. And if you’re undergoing physical therapy before surgery, it can help you recover faster and lower your risk of post-surgery complications.
Increased Self-Esteem
If you struggle with self-esteem, physical therapy can help you feel good about yourself again. It can also be helpful for adults who want to improve their self-image or regain confidence after a mental health disorder.
Low self-esteem is often the result of traumatic experiences or failure to meet expectations set by others. It can be hard to change a negative attitude, but finding a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with is essential.
In a study by the American College of Sports Medicine, researchers found that physical therapy can increase self-esteem in children struggling with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. This may be because treatment can give them the confidence they need to face life’s challenges.
