Sunday, March 9, 2014

What Can a Physical Therapist Do For You?

“No matter what area of the body ails you – neck, shoulder, back, knee – physical therapists have an established history of helping individuals improve their quality of life.” www.apta.org

Bullet points are always a terrific way to showcase information, and here are some great ones from the American Physical Therapy Association's website.  With all the medical specialties out there, you might be wondering, "Why would I need a physical therapist? What can a physical therapist do for me?"

Below are some of the reasons why you would want to consult with a physical therapist:
  • A physical therapist can help you move freely again without pain and discomfort and feeling renewed and ready to move on.
  • They can even help you prevent an injury altogether.
  • They understand how the body works and how to get you moving again.
  • They know how to manage all four of the body's major systems – musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary (skin) – to restore and maximize mobility.
  • They will work closely with you to evaluate your condition and develop an effective, personalized plan of care.
  • They can help you achieve long-term results for many conditions that limit your ability to move.
  • They can design personalized treatment plans to reduce the risk of injury whether in everyday activities or sports.
  • They can help you prevent falls by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait.
  • If necessary, they can refer you to other medical professionals.
Information from www.apta.org