What is Physical Therapy, Benefits & Types

Physical Therapy in Brownstown Jan22nd 2024

Physical therapy in brownstown, or physiotherapy, may include specific exercises, massages, and treatments based on physical stimuli (e.g., heat, cold, electrical currents, or ultrasound). Physical therapy help Arthritis, aims to relieve pain, or strengthen weakened muscles. Empowering patients to take control of their health is essential by showing them what they can do at home to improve their well-being and receive treatment at a hospital or practice.

Physical therapy includes:

  • exercises to actively do specific movements yourself,
  • guided, passive activities that the therapist does for you, as well as applying pressure (massage) and
  • Specific treatments are based on physical stimuli like heat, cold, electrical currents, or ultrasound.

These approaches are used to treat acute and chronic symptoms and prevent future problems or for rehabilitation after long-term medical issues, surgery, or injuries.

The most suitable type of physical therapy treatment will depend on the symptoms, specific medical problem, and whether the patient has had the pain for a short or a long time, for instance. 

What to expect

A physical therapist assists in caring for patients in all stages of healing, from first diagnosis to restorative and preventive steps of recovery. Physical therapy may be a standalone option or support other treatments. A doctor directs Some patients to a physical therapist while others seek therapy.

As per the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a physical therapist obtains training that allows them to:

  • Perform a physical examination and evaluate a person’s movement, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and overall performance while assessing their health history.
  • Give a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and care plan with short- and long-term goals.
  • Perform physical therapy treatment and intervention.
  • Give self-management suggestions containing exercises a person can accomplish at home.

Physical therapy treatment, besides physical manipulation, may also involve other methods.

  • Iontophoresis uses an electrical current to deliver specific medications, such as topical steroids. This can reduce the existence of inflammation.
  • Electrical stimulation (e-stim): There are two types of e-stim. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain. By contrast, neuromuscular electrical stimulation stimulates muscular motor units to improve engagement.
  • Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy: These may benefit a range of conditions.
  • Light therapy involves using unique lights and lasers to treat certain medical conditions. For instance, you might search for “laser therapy near meto find relevant services tailored to your area.

Common conditions physical therapy may help with

Physical therapists can provide supplementary treatment for various medical conditions, depending on their specialty. Although physical therapists may not directly and independently treat medical conditions other than pure musculoskeletal conditions, they work to optimize recovery or educate people on optimizing their movement patterns.

Several health conditions can benefit from physical therapy.

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  •  cystic fibrosis
  •  post-myocardial infarction heart failure
  •  carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger
  • musculoskeletal dysfunction
  • neurological conditions 
  • pediatric conditions
  • sports-related injuries
  • female health and pelvic floor dysfunction
  • skin conditions or injuries

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can offer several benefits based on the reason for seeking treatment. These may include:

  • pain management with reduced need for opioids
  • avoiding surgery
  • improved mobility and movement
  • recovery from injury or trauma
  • recovery from stroke or paralysis
  • fall prevention
  • improved balance
  • management of age-related medical problems

A sports therapist can help athletes maximize their performance by strengthening specific body parts and using muscles in new ways. A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can advise individuals about the benefits clear to their medical history and their need for treatment.

Types

Therapists often choose to specialize in many types of physical therapy. These types include:

  • Orthopedic physical therapy: Musculoskeletal injuries involving muscles, bones, ligaments, fascia, and tendons are treated under this category. It is appropriate for conditions like fractures, sprains, tendinitis, bursitis, chronic health issues, rehabilitation, or recovery from orthopedic surgery. Joint mobilizations, manual therapy, strength training, mobility training, and other modalities are used for treating patients.
  • Geriatric physical therapy: This intervention can be beneficial for older adults who suffer from conditions that affect their physical function and mobility, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, and incontinence. The main goal of this intervention is to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance physical fitness.
  • Neurological physical therapy: This treatment can benefit individuals with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke by improving limb responsiveness, movement patterns, tone management, strength, and balance.
  • Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Treatment can improve endurance and stamina for those with cardiopulmonary conditions and after surgical procedures.
  • Wound care therapy can help ensure a healing wound receives adequate oxygen and blood through improved circulation. Physical therapy may include manual therapies, e-stim, compression therapy, and wound care.

Finding a physical therapist

Finding a suitable physical therapist can involve several factors, including insurance acceptance, specialty and reason for treatment, and geographical location. Insurance companies often have lists of physical therapy locations participating in specific health plans. Other healthcare professionals can provide you with a list of recommended therapists.

All in all 

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in enhancing and restoring the functional abilities of individuals, promoting overall well-being and quality of life. Through a personalized and evidence-based approach, physical therapists address various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. They aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injuries by employing therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and patient education. 

 

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