What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?

The benefits of physical therapy are not resigned to just one positive outcome. Many people with a wide range of conditions may find physical therapy helpful. Physical therapy is a valuable tool in managing your health, whether the focus is rehabilitation after an injury, reconditioning weak muscles to support daily activities better, or learning ways to be posture aware of reducing chronic pain.

A helpful aspect of physical therapy is that it allows for an individual approach catered to each patient and their individual needs. After an initial assessment by your physical therapist, a plan will then be created, goals are highlighted, and then your care will begin. Depending on your specific needs, the intensity of each session will likely focus on gradually teaching you how to manage your health. Each person will progress at their own rate, and having a caring and professional physical therapist makes all the difference. You will not be starting this journey on your own. You will have a dedicated physical therapist such as Alex Klurfeld and our team of other medical professionals helping you along every step of the way.

Although unfortunate, injuries such as falls, vehicular accidents, and ordinary days that end in a mishap occur. Physical therapy may be required, assisting you as you enter the critical stage of rehabilitation after injury. A well-trained physical therapist can make all the difference as you heal. They can help your body repair itself safely and properly so you can return to your daily life once again.

Injuries in sports happen. It's essential to rehabilitate from that injury after experiencing a debilitating injury that prevents you from operating as your active self. Healing quickly and properly to return to your athletic self is vital. Physical therapy offers this possibility. Our physical therapists work with athletes of all ages, guiding them through recovery post sports injury. 

Sometimes, physical therapy is a requirement after surgery. Serious procedures may translate into a few weeks of physical therapy to return to a healthier you. Cardiac rehabilitation, for example, aids patients who have experienced a heart attack or have undergone a heart-related procedure. For patients with pulmonary issues, our physical therapists will assist you as you learn to strengthen and condition your lungs. They will teach you special breathing exercises that will clear your lungs of fluid. Outpatient visits offer you convenience, consistency, and care that will aid in your recovery and healing after surgery.

If you are a stroke patient, receiving professional and efficient care is vital in your recovery. After experiencing a stroke, loss of function and movement often follows. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening body muscles that have become weak, improving gait and proper balance. Caring and professional physical therapists on our team offer the ability to improve a patient's quality of life post-stroke. Ways they may do this are teaching them helpful techniques to bathe, dress, complete toileting, transfer themselves and move in bed, and other activities of daily life. All these techniques help to promote independence at home.

We often do not realize how limited our mobility is until we encounter limitations in our daily activities or experience pain. Our physical therapists are trained to help you gain mobility where limitations exist.   

These restrictions can be solved by numerous techniques, including stretches, exercises, and body awareness that will benefit from better posture.    As you gain better mobility, your quality of life improves.

Weak muscles and poor balance can lead to falls. Some falls may be serious, resulting in a significant injury. Falls can occur by people of all ages at any time and when you least expect them. Participating in physical therapy can remedy these problematic areas you may be experiencing. To prevent a fall from happening, strengthening weak muscles, and increasing your ability to maintain balance can go a long way. Not only may you avoid injury from a fall, but you can improve your overall health with physical therapy.

Receiving news that you have a long-term chronic and incurable illness is difficult and often life-altering. Quality of life is often a focus by your care team. Physical therapy offers ways of managing your pain and conditions, teaching you how to move and complete daily activities more efficiently. Whether it is demonstrating beneficial stretches to help muscles and strength or showing you how to walk and sleep properly to avoid additional discomfort, trained and certified physical therapist, Alex Klurfeld, will work with you to help navigate life with chronic illness.

Exercise is key to managing diabetes. However, often, patients with diabetes struggle with sensations in their legs and feet. Physical therapy offers help and education for diabetic patients, explicitly providing them with the knowledge and ability to perform essential and proper foot care to prevent more serious problems later on. A qualified physical therapist can make a difference in diabetic management.

Conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis or the need for a joint replacement can become a reality as we age. Physical therapy focuses on managing and helping patients with the pain triggered by such conditions.

In many cases, things like the deconditioning of muscles and lack of proper body posture can cause chronic pain. The result may include a decline in your ability to complete daily activities, suffer from poor sleep, stiff and sore muscles, and pain. All of these factors impact your musculoskeletal system. Some physical therapy techniques and treatments are joint and soft tissue mobilization, taping, ultrasound, etc. With these and other techniques applied by physical therapists, you can release chronic tension, build muscle strength and learn essential tips to help you properly move each day.