Physical therapy is often prescribed to treat injuries and chronic conditions that disrupt the normal function of joints, muscles, bones, and nerves. It works to restore patients’ mobility by increasing strength and flexibility. Doctors may also prescribe physical therapy for medical conditions like arthritis or cancer that cause pain. But physical therapy also is prescribed for basic and preventative reasons. Physical therapists recommend exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and balance, and relieve pain. While they are exercises (or stretches), they are typically much easier to perform than other exercises prescribed to improve fitness. These exercises limit how much force or power you can safely apply without injuring yourself.
Physical therapy is a short-term treatment focusing on helping patients restore function and correct movement patterns by restoring normal joint movements and positioning. Physical therapy exercises aim to maintain or improve fitness and function in people affected by injuries or conditions such as arthritis. Physical therapists are trained to detect, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. They use exercises or other techniques to help patients regain full strength, flexibility, range of motion, or muscle endurance.
Physical therapists are often involved with other treatments besides just prescribing exercises. Physical therapists often help patients learn alternative ways to accomplish everyday tasks or try to modify the patient’s home to make things easier. For example, if a patient has a shoulder injury, the physical therapist would teach them exercises they can do at home and how to lift objects to isolate the muscles and avoid stress on the injured shoulder. Some physical therapists will also teach patients exercises they can do at home to help relieve pain and swelling. The therapist may also recommend a patient work with a personal trainer or attend physical therapy exercise school to learn more exercises and routines to help them identify and build upon areas of weakness.
Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy
Many different types of people use physical therapy for different reasons. For example, athletes use physical therapy exercises after an injury or surgery to recover from injury and improve their performance. Physical therapists may work with dancers, athletes, or other performers to enhance their skills. People with arthritis may receive physical therapy to help ease joint pain and stiffness; physical therapists also help patients increase flexibility and restore the normal range of motion.
Seniors may have mobility issues, poor balance, or muscle loss, and physical therapists may work with them to slow the effects of aging. Physical therapists have different levels of training and expertise. There are more than 130,000 physical therapists in the U.S., not including sports medicine specialists.
Physical therapists can also help people hurt in a car accident or who lose a limb due to surgery or an accident. Physical therapists may work with patients with balance problems or difficulty walking due to nerve damage. They can help people relearn how to walk. Other patients can benefit from physical therapy exercise after brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis.
Acute conditions requiring rehabilitation may require only physical therapy a few times a week for a few days or weeks; chronic conditions such as back pain may require ongoing treatment for several months. Physical therapists are trained to use exercises to help improve function and movement. Patients may do stretching, resistance training (such as weight-lifting), or other strength and endurance exercises. Physical therapists also use various tools and equipment to help patients balance their upper body strength. Physical therapists may also teach a person how to perform tasks safely if they have problems with mobility or balance. They may offer tips on lifting objects and using stairs safely or teach patients exercises they can do at home. Some physical therapists will also suggest exercises to help relieve pain and stiffness. Physical therapists often work closely with patients’ doctors to help patients get better.