Physical therapy involves evaluating abnormal physical conditions such as disability, health conditions, and injury to improve health and well-being. Physical therapists are experienced at diagnosing physical conditions and abnormalities and come up with plans that help restore mobility, restore physical function, and promote proper body functioning.
Licensed physical therapists are found in health care facilities such as Physical Therapy Edgewater. Upon visiting a therapist, a patient undergoes a physical examination and evaluation to have a health history and testing. The testing procedures include muscle movement, evaluation of joint mobility and flexibility.
Upon identifying the problem, a patient receives a diagnosis and a treatment plan with short-term and long-term goals. Patients receive physical therapy treatment based on the evaluation and diagnosis of the condition. You may also receive self-management recommendations to do at the comfort of your home.
How to Prepare for Physical Therapy
When preparing for a physical therapy session, it is important to ask questions before choosing a physical therapist. You can ask about the insurance coverage, what to wear to your appointment, and any cancellation policy. Answers to these questions will help you have a positive experience and create trust between the health professional and the patient.
A therapist works with you to set specific goals, and it is vital to share your expectations with the professional. If there are treatment plans that you do not understand during the session, it is helpful to ask your therapist for clarity.
Importance of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy programs are aimed at helping individuals restore their functioning and introducing lifestyle changes that help prevent further injury while promoting good health and well-being. If a general doctor notices an issue that needs the expertise of a physical therapist, they give a referral. The importance of physical therapy includes;
- Improved mobility
Physical therapy helps patients who have trouble walking, standing, or moving. A therapist administers stretching and muscle strengthening exercises that restore your ability to move. Depending on the type of illness, a therapist can fit you with crutches, cranes, or other assistive devices to ease motion.
A therapist customizes an individual treatment plan and ensures that you adopt and practice what guarantees effective performance and safety.
- Pain Treatment
If you have pain in the joints and muscles, manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises can help to relieve pain. Soft tissue and joint treatments such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound can help restore the function of joints and muscles and reduce chronic pain.
The therapy sessions are effective and helpful to prevent the occurrence of pain in the future. A therapist may give you exercises to do at home that ensures that the pain does not return.
- Enhance Balance and Prevent Falls
If a patient is at a high risk of falls, a physical therapist gives you exercises that enhance your body balance and safety. You may also get assistive devices that help to improve coordination and easier movement.
There are several forms of injuries and health conditions that can be treated with the help of physical therapy. It is important to get in touch with a therapist to advise you on the best treatment plan depending on the underlying problem.