Physical therapy uses science-based clinical treatment methods to help individuals develop, maintain and restore maximum body movement and physical function. The therapy is recommended to those suffering from pain, an injury, or a chronic condition that is hampering an individual’s daily routine. It can help patients avoid surgery by reducing pain, promoting faster recovery, and improving physical health.
Here in this post, we’ll give you information related to physical therapy:
#1 Do I need physical therapy?
If you feel nagging pain or stiffness in your joints whenever you stretch, run, or exercise, you may need physical therapy. Physical therapy can help individuals in acute, sub-acute, and chronic health conditions. It also improves the recovery time in all kinds of injuries.
Some common problems that physical therapists evaluate and treat include:
- Congenital diseases
- Overuse injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sports injuries
- General pain management
- Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Pain in specific areas of the body
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Stroke recovery
- Traumatic injury
- Post-surgical recovery
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve pain
Physical therapy is an integral part of managing autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, especially during the “flare-ups.”
#2 Where should I get physical therapy?
You can undergo physical therapy in a variety of settings. You should pick out a center that meets your requirements, not just what is in your insurance plan. Here are some places where you can get this therapy:
- In nursing homes
- In outpatient clinics
- In the hospital
- With sports teams
- In your home (if you are can’t leave your home due to illness or injury)
- In cardiac rehab centers
#3 Do I need to see my doctor before seeing a physical therapist?
If you have any medical concerns, it is advisable to see your doctor. In some US states, you can see a physical therapist directly if your state has Direct Access. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut offer Direct Access, which means you don’t need a prescription from your doctor before seeing a physical therapist.
#4 Benefits of physical therapy
Avoid surgery: Surgeries are expensive and need a lengthy recovery period. Physical therapy is beneficial in reducing pain from an injury, thus reducing the need for surgery. Even if you need surgery, physical therapy offers some pre-surgery benefits. Going into surgery in good shape will help a faster recovery period.
Recover from a stroke: In the United States, stroke is the top cause of serious adult disability. It often results in doing simple activities like eating, writing, or balancing the body, a challenging task. Physical therapy aims to help stroke patients relearn activities such as standing, sitting, walking, and common physical movements. There are therapeutic exercises that make it safe to walk, move and restore mobility.
Prevent injuries: Your physical therapist may chalk out a plan to target and strengthen weak muscle groups and joints, thus preventing future injuries in these areas. By identifying body imbalances, it helps individuals become proactive to prevent injuries. Physical therapy also allows people to participate in recreational, community, and athletic activities.
Promote health and general wellness: Many therapists employ a wholesome approach to improve an individual’s strength, flexibility, and endurance. There are also specialists in areas like pediatrics, sports, electrophysiology, neurology, and oncology.
About Cornerstone at the Ranch
Cornerstone at the Ranch is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Lafayette, Louisiana that provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing, dietary services, and social services. Our nurses and team’s quality and loving care is our biggest strength and the reason behind the quick recovery of our residents.
You can call us at (337) 981-5335 or fill our contact form to schedule a tour of our center.