Life is busy! From sunrise to sunset, the hours are filled with work, family, and hopefully, for health’s sake, some exercise too. So, who really has time to slow down for an injury? Whether you’ve noticed a new pain that makes getting out of bed a challenge or you’re dealing with a chronic health condition that makes movement an essential part of staying well, your physical therapist is your partner in health.
Having a trusted physical therapist as a member of your medical care team can provide you quick access to the care you need to reach your movement potential. If you’re new to it or you’ve only considered physical therapy when you can no longer manage your pain, here are 5 ways physical therapy can improve your quality of life.
#1. You Can Prevent Injuries with Physical Therapy
While physical therapists are synonymous with injury recovery, one aspect of their knowledge that is far less utilized is injury prevention. Your PT can assess your muscle strength and joint mobility and combine that with a knowledge of your frequent activities. In turn, this can help identify any underlying weaknesses that might make you more susceptible to injury. Then, they can teach you several different exercises to help prevent injury. Imagine the pain and suffering you could save yourself, not to mention the cost savings of avoiding a preventable injury!
#2. Improve Your Posture With Physical Therapy
Complications of poor posture can include low back pain, spinal dysfunction, and joint degeneration. By making a few lifestyle adjustments, you can improve your posture and your health. Physical therapy treatment plans are aimed at increasing your muscle and joint flexibility to promote improved health. Your PT can help you with stretching techniques and give suggestions if workplace ergonomics are contributing to your posture concerns.
#3. Keep Moving with Help From Your Physical Therapist
Even if you’re already in good health and involved in a variety of activities, physical therapy can still be beneficial. Your physical therapist can help you enhance your performance and give you advice on other types of activities that can complement your lifestyle to challenge your musculoskeletal system. If you are looking to get back into the activities you love, your physical therapist can help design a plan to set short and long-term goals to achieve success.
#4. Physical Therapy Helps You Avoid Surgery
No surgery is without risk, and a lengthy recovery can impact you physically and financially. In some cases, physical therapy can correct a problem without the need for surgery at all. Sprains, strains, dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and acute/chronic pain are just a few of the many ailments that a physical therapist can help you with. Even if surgery is imminent, working with a physical therapist before surgery can prepare your body for recovery or help delay the surgery to a time in the year when it fits better into your schedule. While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it’s almost always better to eliminate the need for an invasive procedure if the problem can be treated with a more conservative approach, such as through physical therapy intervention.
#5. Find Your Balance with Physical Therapy
The main objective of healthcare professionals working with aging adults is to identify the need for care before falls occur. As we age, we lose muscle mass, bones weaken, and balance concerns become top of mind. That does not mean that falls are inevitable. In fact, with the help of a physical therapist, you can reduce the risk of falls through a comprehensive fall prevention program. Improving your balance can help you avoid trips and falls that could potentially lead to a significant injury, and help you remain independent and active. Additionally, it can improve your ability to engage in and enjoy more strenuous activities that you may not have been able to do in the past.
Prioritize Your Health- Schedule Your Evaluation
Staying strong, improving flexibility and mobility, and taking simple actions can reduce the risk of injuries before they occur. As your partner in health and wellness, our team at Bay State Physical Therapy is ready to help you when you or a loved one needs us next.
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
