Top Reasons why Physical Therapy is Beneficial

Top Reasons why Physical Therapy is Beneficial

Physical therapy refers to the treatment of disease or injury using physical techniques, such as massage, exercises, and heat treatment, rather than using surgery or medications. Patients may be referred to or recommended to try physical therapy for a wide range of different reasons since it is a highly effective way of alleviating many unpleasant and debilitating symptoms.

Here are some of the top reasons why physical therapy is beneficial.

 

A reduction or elimination of discomfort and pain

Many conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system result in the patient experiencing pain. This can vary from mild and intermittent to severe and prolonged. Unsurprisingly, this ongoing discomfort can be extremely debilitating. One of the biggest benefits of physical therapy is that it can help patients to manage their pain. This is because the exercises that are carried out help to mobilize your joints and soft tissue, making them less stiff and uncomfortable. The exercises also promote blood flow, which helps to reduce inflammation and associated pain.

 

Eliminate reliance on pain medication

If you are suffering from less discomfort, you will also be less reliant on pain medication – something which is a huge advantage for patients who suffer from chronic conditions and who are worried about the need to take painkillers long-term.

 

Improve mobility

Another benefit of physical therapy is that it helps to mobilize the joints, making it far easier for the patient to move around a regain some normality in their daily activities. This is primarily achieved through stretching and strengthening exercises, which will be performed both with your therapist and at-home using exercises that you can perform alone. If you require mobility aids such as crutches or a walking frame, your physical therapist will be able to help ensure that you obtain the right equipment and that it fits you properly.

 

Management of health conditions

Physical therapy has shown to be beneficial in the management of and recovery from a number of different health issues, which include but aren’t limited to:

- Heart and lung diseases. Physical therapy helps to improve patient quality of life through strengthening, conditioning, and breathing exercises.
 

- Stroke. Through improving strength, posture, and balance, physical therapy can make it easier for patients to live more independently following a stroke.
 

- Diabetes and vascular conditions, which can be managed through a combination of aerobic and weight strengthening exercises.
 

- Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapy can help to improve the effects of such conditions, without the need for surgery.

Physical therapy can also help with specialized management of a range of other health issues including women’s health problems, bowel/urinary incontinence, constipation, fibromyalgia, and pelvic pain.

 

Recovery from sports injuries

Injuries are commonplace among amateur and professional athletes. Without proper treatment, it can take weeks or months to recover, and in some instances, patients may never be able to get back to their chosen sport. Physical therapy improves circulation, which in turn helps the body to heal from injury more quickly. It also strengthens the muscles, making patients more flexible and able to achieve optimal performance and reduce their risk of sports or any other sort of injury in the future.  

 

Recovery following surgery

If you are having any sort of orthopedic surgery, your surgeon will almost certainly recommend that you arrange to have physical therapy sessions following your operation. This is because following a physical therapy exercise program can help accelerate the recovery process, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure that patients achieve the optimal results following their surgery.

For more information on the benefits of physical therapy, please call Ogden Wellness Center in Ogden, UT at (801) 406-3949 today!