Why Physical Therapy?

By Heather Allen, MS, PT

Journeying into Healing, LLC

. http://www.journeyingintohealing.com/

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Why Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a critical link in the restorative health care process. It is a must for the patient, and the physician alike, to utilize what physical therapy services have to offer. Only when physical therapy is incorporated into the recovery process will both the patient and the physician achieve the best outcome possible.

What are the benefits of physical therapy, and what exactly does a physical therapist do? Physical therapy is about restoring the body after trauma such as an accident, injury, or surgery. A physical therapist is a highly educated and licensed professional whose role is to promote health and independence through correction of dysfunction and/or treatment of injuries. Therapy can involve anything from hands on/manual care, to exercise and modalities to help relieve pain. Therapists encourage patients to live healthier lifestyles and educate them on how to do it.

For the physician, it is vital to understand the importance of physical therapy care in the treatment of your patients, along with who should be referred and when. For patients suffering pain as a result of a fall, car accident or other bodily injury, physical therapy is a great way to help them get back to full function sooner. For surgical patients, such as those about to undergo a repair or replacement, pre-operative stretching and strengthening can greatly reduce the amount of pain experienced and shorten recovery time after the procedure. For the chronic pain patient, nothing is more important than finding an alternative to medications and surgeries to help them cope with their pain.

For the patient, it is crucial for you to know when to ask for a referral or how to seek care on your own. If you have had any type of injury that has left you with pain or limitations in your ability to perform your daily activities, you should seek physical therapy care. Your primary care physician can help direct you. Be selective when choosing a facility and a therapist. Look for an office that provides one-on-one care with licensed professionals. Your therapist should have a diverse background and training and you should feel comfortable with them. Having a good working relationship with your therapist is an important step to a beneficial outcome. Be your own advocate and achieve optimum health.