Physical Therapy, or PT, is a health profession that improves movement and mobility in persons with impaired physical functioning. PT is also known as “physical medicine”.
It includes prescribed exercises and hands-on treatments to help reduce pain and disability. PT can be an effective alternative to surgery and prescription drugs. Visit https://www.onpointphysio.com/ to learn more.
PT is used to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. It can help people suffering from neurological, genetic or musculoskeletal disorders or common issues such as dizziness. PT is also a preventive measure that can help people stay healthy and avoid medical problems in the future.
The main goal of PT is to restore movement and function. This is achieved through a combination of treatments including exercise, massage and treatment based on physical stimuli such as heat, cold or electrical currents. In addition, therapists teach patients techniques they can use to manage their symptoms at home or in their daily lives.
In addition to helping with pain, mobility and strength, physical therapy can be used to help with mental health. Studies have shown that PT can decrease depressive symptoms and improve feelings of hope, self efficacy and quality of life. It can also increase a person’s ability to tolerate pain and their level of coping mechanisms.
If you are considering undergoing physical therapy, it is important to choose a therapist who is licensed and specialized in your condition. A good therapist will be vested in your recovery and willing to work with you as part of a team to help you reach your goals. They will provide you with an initial evaluation and create a plan for care that addresses your goals and challenges.
Depending on your needs, your therapist may prescribe hydrotherapy or other techniques to ease joint and muscle pain. They can also help with balance and proprioception, which is a sense of body awareness that may be impaired due to injury or disease. They can show you how to perform exercises that can help with your balance and how to utilize assistive devices for safe mobility. For example, a walker can be useful for someone who has had surgery or is recovering from an injury. It can give them a sense of independence and help reduce the risk of falls. They can also teach you proper posture and body mechanics to prevent further injury or disease.
Physical Therapy Exercises
A big part of physical therapy is learning how to do certain movements that improve mobility, coordination and muscle strength. A therapist teaches patients these exercises and then works with them to perform them during regular sessions, as well as on their own at home.
Depending on the patient’s needs and treatment goals, different types of physical therapy exercise may be recommended. These can include stretching exercises that help reduce stiffness and increase flexibility, as well as strengthening exercises that target weak muscles or joints. For example, shoulder exercises can help relieve pain and improve range of motion when a person has had rotator cuff surgery or other injuries to the area.
Balance-enhancing exercises are often included in a PT treatment plan, too. These can help reduce the risk of falls, which are a common cause of serious injury in older adults. In fact, falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalization among seniors. PT can also help address balance disorders that increase the risk of falling, which can lead to fractured bones and other health problems.
Another type of physical therapy exercise is ambulation exercises, which are designed to help people walk on their own without the aid of a wheelchair or crutches. This can be especially important for people who have had hip or knee surgeries and need to regain their mobility after the procedures. Getting these exercises right is crucial to a speedy recovery and a return to a normal life.
When it comes to performing at-home physical therapy exercises, it is important to follow your therapist’s instructions carefully to avoid injury or worsening of the condition. It is also a good idea to take rest days between exercise sessions or to ease up on intensity as needed, to allow your muscles and joints to heal.
It is also a good idea to keep track of your progress by recording any pain, discomfort or difficulty you experience with the exercises and discussing it with your therapist. A therapist can offer tips on how to modify the exercises or make them easier, as well as on any other changes you can implement to speed up your recovery.
Physical Therapy Techniques
Like any health care profession, physical therapists are not only concerned with treating symptoms of illness or injury, but also with preventing future problems. They spend a lot of time with their clients, giving them individual attention and creating a unique relationship. This gives PTs an opportunity to help people change their habits and learn to live healthier lives.
Whether helping injured athletes recover from injuries or older adults manage chronic conditions, the goal is to restore functional movement and reduce pain and stiffness to improve quality of life. This may be achieved through a combination of hands-on techniques, exercise and education. The scope of practice is continually expanding and new areas include women’s health (incontinence, pelvic/vaginal pain, prenatal and postpartum musculosketelal disorders, osteoporosis, and lymphedema), as well as treatment of geriatric patients with complex medical needs.
The manual therapy techniques your therapist uses depend on the diagnosis, but include rhythmic passive movements (mobilizations), gentle stretching of muscles and joints, and myofascial release, which involves applying pressure to tight muscle groups, such as those in the spine or wrists. Your therapist may use an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique, which involves the use of tools to increase the leverage of your therapist for a specific joint movement or muscle group.
Another treatment is electrical stimulation, which involves the insertion of electrodes into the skin, which then create an electric current in the tissues, including the muscle cells. This helps decrease pain, encourages healing and can stimulate the growth of new muscle fibers.
Your therapist will also teach you how to do self-mobilization, or the use of your hands and arms, so that you can help yourself with your treatment when you are at home between sessions. Hot and cold packs may be used to warm or cool your body before and after treatment, as well as to encourage circulation.
Other modalities your therapist might use are vibration, which stimulates the nerve endings to increase blood flow and relax muscles; and ultrasound, which creates deep heat in the tissue to encourage healing. Some therapists incorporate acupressure and trigger point massage into their modalities as well.
Physical Therapy Equipment
The right equipment can make the difference between a clinic offering good care and one that offers exceptional patient outcomes. However, investing in the best physical therapy tools and supplies doesn’t have to break the bank. Strategically evaluating needs, choosing wisely, and embracing innovative technology are key to optimizing your budget without compromising on quality.
When purchasing physical therapy equipment, it is important to identify a reputable supplier with an extensive track record and reliable customer support. Using online platforms that provide user reviews and recommendations can help you find cost-effective options that meet your practice’s specific requirements. Also, looking for specialized websites or equipment suppliers that focus on specific industry or equipment types can often lead to cost-efficient and competitive pricing.
Whether you are buying mechanical or electronic treatment equipment, prioritizing your purchase based on the joint problems, diagnoses and patient population of your practice can help you determine which pieces are essential for success. Additionally, regular maintenance and assessments of equipment for signs of wear or damage can be effective in identifying opportunities to upgrade or replace existing equipment with newer versions that offer superior functionality and results.
In addition to essential treatment equipment, physical therapists need to have the right tools for assessing and measuring client progress. Outcome measurement testing provides a measurable benchmark for a client’s progression and can help them stay motivated throughout their rehabilitation. Common outcome measurement testing includes strength and range of motion tests, the Timed Up and Go test and questionnaires that are specific to the condition being treated.
Some physical therapists choose to use cuff weights or ankle and wrist weights to add resistance to exercises to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic programs. This can be particularly beneficial for clients who are experiencing pain or weakness due to injury or conditions like osteoporosis. In addition, cuff weights can be portable and convenient, encouraging consistent engagement with patients’ at-home exercise regimens and helping them build strength and endurance for future rehabilitation.
Some physical therapists choose to leverage innovative software solutions that simplify administrative functions and improve operational efficiency. Practice management software can integrate with a wide variety of medical and rehabilitative devices to streamline administrative processes and enhance patient communication.