What Can Physical Therapy Help

Can Physical Therapy Help?

You've probably heard from a friend or relative who's undergoing physical therapy - perhaps even had some yourself. And while you probably know how physical therapy helps people recover from an injury, you might not know the full extent of physical therapy.

Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They help people of all ages return to normal function after an injury or disease. They also develop individualized treatment programs designed to prevent injury from occurring or to slow the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes.

Increasingly, people are looking to physical therapy as an alternative to surgery or medication - or at least the first step in treatment hoping the other can be avoided. Through exercise, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound (sound waves), soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and more, the physical therapist helps improve a person's use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves.

Anytime you have a problem with movement that keeps you from participating in activities you enjoy, you might benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Some of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy include:

Back pain Neck pain Shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome Posture problems, including scoliosis Knee, ankle, or foot problems Leg problems Osteoporosis Sprains, muscle strains Fractures Heart or stroke rehabilitation	Arthritis Rehabilitation after a serious injury (e.g. work, auto, sports)    Chronic respiratory problems Balance or coordination problems Newborn or infant disabilities Developmental delays Balance or coordination problems Before and after pregnancy Fitness and Wellness education
And this is only a partial list.