PHYSICAL THERAPY: Rehab, Recovery, and More
Do you know anyone who has suffered an injury and been referred to a physical therapist?
Typically, individuals with injuries and surgeries are advised to see a physical therapist to assist in their return to daily activities. Unfortunately, some view physical therapy as an unnecessary or optional activity rather than an essential component of recovery.
Some injured patients disregard the advice of their primary care physicians and opt out of attending physical therapy sessions, believing they can resume their routines independently. However, recovery tends to progress more slowly without the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. Personal decisions like these can impede one’s recovery or worsen a physical condition. Such decisions may be influenced by hearing success stories from individuals who faced similar issues but did not seek assistance from a physical therapist.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that not every treatment recommended for others is applicable to our individual needs.
Most therapy and movement protocols are tailored to a person’s specific goals, as assessed and evaluated by a trained healthcare professional. Therefore, seeking a physical therapist for rehabilitation and recovery is always valid and, at times, necessary.
What is physical therapy and what does a physical therapist do?
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy is the widespread clinical application in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function.
– American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
A physical therapist is a health specialist who evaluates and treats human body disorders. They help manage illnesses and injuries concerning your bones, brain, heart, lungs, and skin.
– WebMD
Through Physical Therapy Sessions…
Weakened muscles are strengthened
Stamina is built and further developed
What benefits can I get from physical therapy?
Improve range of motion and mobility
Improving the range of motion for our joints and body to achieve maximum movement is one of the fundamental functions of physical therapy.
Shorten recovery time from surgery or injury
Physical therapy helps patients rehabilitate and recover from injuries involving the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Supports neurological conditions
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, physical therapy treatment can assist stroke rehabilitation and spine injury treatment in-hospital as it helps symptoms concerning balance, weakness, coordination, spasticity and flexibility, aerobic endurance, fatigue, and respiratory function.
Reduce symptoms related to arthritis
Physical therapy can help reduce the severity of joint inflammation, pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness experienced by people with arthritis. It helps restore the use of affected joints, increases overall strength, maintains fitness levels, and allows one to enjoy an overall better quality of life in one’s senior years.
Improve athletic performance
Through physical therapist consultations, athletes can help identify weaknesses and imbalances in their bodies. Because of this, they can improve strength and flexibility in these identified areas.
Helping manage diabetes
A physical therapist can recommend the right workout plan for diabetic patients.
Prevent falls and improve balance
Fall-related injuries can be effectively managed through physical therapy.
Less dependence on medication to manage pain
Many US doctors have tried recommending physical therapy first to patients experiencing pain. Also, this choice saves many patients from drug addiction or other adverse side effects of medication.
What are the most common types of physical therapy?
Various health conditions affecting physical function require specific types of physical therapy to address them. Here are the five most common types of physical therapy, as identified by PDH Academy:
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric Physical Therapy (PPT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the developmental needs of children or medical issues concerning their movements or muscle problems.
2. Neurological Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help people with neurological disorders to function and perform daily tasks by helping them improve their motor skills, balance, and body coordination.
3. Orthopedic Physical Therapy
This type of physical therapy focuses on addressing and correcting deformities and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system — arthritis of the spine, rotator cuff tears, fractures, and joint replacement surgery.
4. Geriatric Physical Therapy
This type of therapy seeks to reduce pain and improve the mobility of the elderly through various exercises and techniques well-suited to their needs.
5. Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
This type of therapy aims to improve the function of the lungs and heart through various exercises, as well as strength and resistance techniques.
Different types of physical therapy treatment
1. Manual Physical Therapy
This is a subset of traditional physical therapy that is carried out by the therapist with their hands.
2. Therapeutic Ultrasound
To promote tissue healing and address chronic pain conditions such as tendonitis, ligament injuries, joint tightness, frozen shoulder, and carpal tunnel syndrome, Therapeutic Ultrasound is often utilized as a treatment method.
3. Electrotherapy or Electric Stimulation
Electrotherapy or electric stimulation is the use of different devices to send electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles.
4. Motion and Gait Training
This can be utilized as part of a treatment plan for individuals who have difficulty walking or suffer from an illness or injury that affects their mobility.
5. Hot and Cold Therapy
This therapy treatment applies hot and cold packs to the area of pain and injury to reduce discomfort.
6. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy utilizes laser beams to provide a more targeted effect in reducing pain and restoring the normal range of motion to the affected area.
7. Balance Training
Physical therapists first assess and evaluate the level of the balance problem, and then they typically incorporate some form of strength training to strengthen weak muscles in the trunk, hips, and core, thereby stabilizing balance
What happens during physical therapy?
Physical therapy sessions involve more than just a physical therapist assisting a patient in practicing movement. They also entail a series of steps or components for the physical therapist to create a suitable program tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
1. Examination and Assessment or Initial Evaluation
First, a patient must undergo assessment for the physical therapist to recommend a program appropriate for their medical condition.
2. Diagnosis
After the initial evaluation, a patient then goes through a diagnostic process. The physical therapist will ask for pain-related details, identify symptoms, and ask how these are affecting your lifestyle.
3. Execution of Treatment
Once the physical therapist identifies the right program for you, you can begin rehabilitation.
HALCYON FITNESS
We can design a physical therapy plan that is tailor-fit to your needs or carry out the plan prescribed by your doctor:
Physical therapy services are available at our studio.
Online physical therapy sessions are available for your convenience.
Get in touch with us today!
0917 656 2363 (Globe) or 0919 436 3582 (Smart)
G/F & 3/F Maria Cornelia Bldg., 222 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City, Philippines