Physical therapy offers a wide range of benefits for patients looking to improve their overall quality of life. Many times physical therapy is administered by health care professionals as a form of rehabilitation from an injury or surgery, but in some cases it can include preventative care as well.
The main goal of providing physical therapy is to improve bodily function without the use of drugs or surgery. It’s most often associated with restoring strength and range of motion after a broken bone, but physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Here’s a list of benefits that are provided by physical therapists:
Improve range of motion and mobility – This is one of the core functions of physical therapy. By using massage, heat, and exercise, physical therapists are able to restore range of motion and mobility. Some care providers like this physical therapist near Brick, NJ integrate other therapies into their treatment programs like Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture.
Recovery from surgery or injuries – This is what most people think of when they hear physical therapy. Orthopedic and sports physical therapists help patients rehabilitate and recover from injuries to their bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Prevent surgeries and injuries – Many sports physical therapists specialize in injury prevention for athletes. By using techniques to improve strength, balance and mobility, they can help athletes prevent injuries while they compete.
Improve neurological function – Some physical therapists specialize in the rehabilitation from neurological conditions that may have developed from stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease and more.
Improve cardiovascular function – Another benefit of physical therapy is that it can be used to improve cardiopulmonary function. Cardiovascular physical therapists offer treatment programs that are designed to improve aerobic capacity. This can increase oxygen levels in the body and help people feel better.
These are just some of the many benefits that physical therapy can provide people of all ages. You don’t need to be referred by a physician to receive care from a physical therapist. In most cases, you’ll be able to start a physical therapy program if you are a good candidate for one. Be sure to contact your local physical therapist to learn more about why they can offer you!