You may notice a change in your mobility or your muscles feeling achy as you age. And it is only normal; what is important is to take the right steps in this regard.
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, has been here for centuries and has proven not only beneficial for your muscles but also for your overall health. It is also one of the doctors’ first recommendations for patients recovering from surgical intervention or a recent injury. People with an active lifestyle are usually more fulfilled and happier than those with a sedentary one. On paper, it can be simple to get involved in physical activity, but things are different when it comes to practice. That is why physical therapy is recommended to people dealing with various medical conditions, including movement dysfunction, muscle pain, osteoporosis, chronic pain syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and even some forms of cancer and to anyone wanting a boost to their overall health.Whatever the case, physiotherapy can only benefit your health and well-being. For more insight into this non-invasive treatment form, read our list of PT benefits below:
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It is an alternative to surgery
What many people don't realise is that physiotherapy can correct a medical issue without the need for surgical intervention. Of course, this depends on the case, but in general, problems like dislocations, arthritis, tendonitis, acute or chronic pain, strains, and sprains can be significantly alleviated with the help of physical therapy. Even in the event of an invasive procedure, physical therapy helps with the healing process, ensuring a speedy recovery. PT is sometimes the first-line treatment for musculoskeletal damage or a plethora. Thus, if you are dealing with some of the above-mentioned medical conditions, it would be helpful to ask your physician about this form of treatment; maybe your case can be treated with a couple of therapy sessions and does not require surgery.
It helps people recover after injury or stroke
Dealing with an injury can take days, months, or even years, depending on how severe it is. Besides medication, adjuvant treatment might be needed to speed up recovery time. Physical and psychological therapy have their roles, in this case, it is being recommended by doctors from all around the world. Among the various injuries, PT can help with sports injuries, neck pain, spinal cord injuries and paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia), knee, shoulder, and arm injuries, whiplash, and back damage. And although its name suggests physical treatment, PT works successfully with neurological conditions. These include stroke, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, and spasticity. Due to the numerous therapeutic methods and state-of-the-art equipment, it restores the range of motion, helps with motor control and planning, and improves day-to-day activities performance.
A significant part of the injuries mentioned above is caused by a motor vehicle accident. Whiplash, for example, is the result of a severe jerk to the head, typically in a rear-end collision, when an individual’s head violently and suddenly moves backwards and then forward. Because of the high impact, a person suffering from whiplash may experience symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, blurred vision, headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), neck and shoulders pain, and concentration problems. More often than not, it is not even the victim’s fault for such accidents. Thus, if it ever happens for your whiplash to be the result of another driver’s negligence, it is crucial to take the proper steps. The first and most important thing is to visit a doctor and get the right treatment based on your injury’s severity. Then, you may want to contact a lawyer who will help you receive compensation for your whiplash. We know that the last thing you want is to get involved in legal proceedings, especially if the whiplash is making you suffer, but trust us, that compensation is nothing but helpful. You might need medication and several physical therapy sessions, which often means high medical bills.
It improves mobility and flexibility
One of the most significant benefits of physical therapy is that it strengthens the muscles and leads to greater flexibility. This is also one of the reasons many people opt for this treatment when dealing with age-related problems. We all know that with age, you cannot move as you would have had ten years ago. And it is not a shame – it is life. Fortunately, there are solutions, and PT is one of the most efficient.
Day-to-day activities like walking, standing, writing, or simply moving comfortably will seem a burden if your bones and muscles do not function optimally. Thus, consider PT to improve all these aspects. Depending on your case, your PT sessions may consist in stretching and strengthening exercises that restore coordination and movement.
It can prevent falls
One of the most common causes of people becoming injured is falls. Sometimes, these cannot be avoided, but they can (and should) in certain situations. People with balance problems are generally more prone to falls than those with good coordination. Seniors above age 60 are exposed to fall risk because their mobility and balance are no longer as they were once. Thus, a significant number of these individuals opt for this form of therapy. Anyway, it is used preventatively, so anyone can try physiotherapy to improve their coordination and strength.
It helps with chronic conditions like diabetes
Managing a condition like diabetes is, without any doubt, a challenge since there are so many rules to follow. One thing that helps with this medical condition is regular exercise, which is why many patients who have diabetes opt for physical therapy. Thanks to the special exercises a physiotherapist uses for their patients, the latter can manage their diabetes. The category of chronic conditions PT can help with also includes certain pulmonary or vascular problems, as PT involves breathing exercises.
Final thoughts
Physical therapy can safely and successfully be practised by anyone, as it proves extremely beneficial for a variety of medical conditions and not only – you can use it preventatively to avoid the mobility issues that might come with age.
*Collaborative post. This post is for information purposes only and does not offer medical advice.
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