In the Orthopedic Specialty offices, we see a lot of patients that have been referred to Broward physical therapy after surgery or injury. What many don’t realize is that physical therapy can be beneficial even if you are not referred. Those suffering from certain illnesses, injuries or medical conditions that inhibit their ability function freely and without pain can improve their quality of life with the right treatment.
A customized physical therapy program, like many found in Broward county, allows individuals to maintain and increase their level of functioning while encouraging activities and lifestyle changes that can prevent further injury.
Have you ever wondered if physical therapy can help you? Here are 10 benefits:
- Pain management. Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound treatments, taping and electrical stimulation, can relieve pain while simultaneously restoring muscle and joint function. Physical therapy not only relieves this pain, but it can also effectively prevent pain from returning.
- Avoid surgery and help pre-/post-surgery. If physical therapy eliminates pain and helps you recover from an injury, surgery may not be needed. But, if surgery is still required, you may benefit from pre-surgery physical therapy. By going into your operation stronger and in better shape, you will recover faster. And post-surgery physical therapy will help your muscles get back in shape to prevent further injury.
- Improve mobility. Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore your ability to move. If you experience difficulty standing or walking, physical therapy can help—regardless of your age. Therapists can properly fit individuals with assistive devices such as canes, walkers, crutches or assess for orthotic prescriptions. Care plans are customized to each individual to ensure maximum safety and performance.
- Improve balance. When you start physical therapy, you will be assessed for your fall risk. If you’re considered at high risk for falls, therapists will provide exercises to safely and carefully challenge and improve your balance to help in real-life situations. Therapists can also work with patients to restore proper vestibular functioning reducing or eliminating dizziness or vertigo.
- Stroke recovery. Strokes can cause loss of function and movement on one or both sides of the body. Physical therapy helps strengthen weakened muscles while improving gait and balance. Therapists also work with stroke patients to regain independence around the home with activities such as bathing, dressing, and every day activities.
- Recovery from sports injury. Perhaps one of the most common associations for physical therapy is recovery from a sports injury. Different sports can increase your risk for specific injuries and therapists design sport and athlete appropriate recovery or prevention programs.
- Diabetes and vascular conditions. As part of an overall diabetes management plan, exercise can help significantly with blood sugar control. And since diabetic patients can have additional problems with their feet and legs, therapists can help educate them on proper foot and leg care and exercises preventing further issues.
- Aging issues. Arthritis or osteoporosis in aging people can lead to the need for joint replacement surgery. Physical therapists are experts in helping patients recover from such surgery as well as helping to manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions.
- Manage heart and lung disease. After a heart attack or cardiac procedure, you may receive physical therapy to help you return to daily functioning. For pulmonary issues, physical therapists can help improve patients’ quality of life through strengthening, conditioning and breathing exercises. Physical therapy practices also assist patients in clearing fluid from their lungs.
- Women’s health conditions. Physical therapists offer specialized management of women’s health issues such as pregnancy and postpartum care, breast cancer, fibromyalgia, lymphedema, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.
Are you ready to take back control of your life? Contact us at 786.610.5610 or info@192.168.100.2 to begin your physical therapy journey at Orthopedic Specialty Institute.