In recent years, physical therapy has become a popular method of treatment for those suffering from a physical condition that limits their ability to function normally in their daily lives. Because more people are living longer and the fact that there have been many advancements in the field of medicine that have helped people survive such conditions as head trauma, strokes, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal dysfunctions, heart attacks, and many other physical injuries, physical therapy has become a key part of achieving optimum health and wellness.
A physical therapist is a licensed and trained therapist who assists patients with recovering from traumatic physical conditions causing debilitating physical limitations. This form of therapy involves a variety of physical rehabilitation techniques and the use of therapeutic medical devices. When a patient undergoes physical therapy, they will be involved in therapy techniques that will help strengthen and improve their range of motion, improve motor function, manage and reduce pain resulting from incapacitating conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, improve muscle strength, use therapeutic devices to help with mobility or balance issues, and the development of in-clinic and at-home therapy programs.
Physical therapy devices in a clinic or at home can include using ultrasonic machines, EMS machines, weights, whirlpool baths, tread mills, TENS machine, and many other therapeutic exercise equipment. As well, physical therapists help patients correctly use such medical aids as braces, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, crutches, walking canes...etc. The objective of physical therapy treatments is to help a patient live comfortably and independently. A treatment plan is designed around the needs of the individual patient and the progress of the patient's recovery is constantly monitored, recorded, and adjusted so that he or she is able to recover safely and much quicker than if they had not participated in the therapy.
One can find physical therapy programs in a variety of areas such as orthopedics, professional sports facilities, geriatrics, cardiology, pediatrics, neurology, military hospitals, fitness centers, the school system, hospices, heath and wellness centers, the work place, and much more. People who suffer from a sports or exercise injuries will often use physical therapy as a means of recovery. As well, people who suffer from a slip and fall where they receive serious physical injury such as a broken bone, spinal cord injury, herniated discs, head injury, back injury, neck pain, torn ligaments, soft tissue injury, and muscle sprains, will often engage in physical therapy treatment. A patient may also need muscle strengthening before or after a surgical procedure. As well, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis, are conditions that typically require physical therapy.
Because there has been an increase in the numbers of the aging population which is expected to continue, and more people are now becoming involved in gyms and fitness centers, as well as participating in extreme sports activities, physical therapy is now an indispensable part of the medical community. More people are now taking advantage of the benefits physical therapy provides as well as the safe and effective techniques used to help them improve their health and well being. If you are one of the millions of people suffering from a physical limitation, you may want to consider physical therapy as a method of achieving wellness.
