Physical therapy clinics can help patients recover from injuries, but did you know treatment offers other benefits? Athletes, people who perform physical labor and individuals reaching their golden years all seek physical therapy for different reasons. Physical therapists have the training to address a wide variety of needs, allowing them to help patients from all walks of life.
Recovering From Injury Effectively
Injuries take time to heal, but lack of exercise can make limbs stiff. Muscles can also weaken from disuse. Physical therapists help patients maintain their range of motion and muscle strength during recovery. Working with a professional is essential, as it’s possible to reinjure yourself if you don’t exercise safely.
Practitioners in this field can also help people who lost the use of their limbs through stroke or accident. For example, they can help individuals learn to walk again after a car accident.
While there are many ways to sustain a serious injury, one of the most common is through sports. Athletes push their bodies and sometimes exceed their limits, resulting in a sprain or strain. Physical therapy is essential during recovery so athletes don’t lose the skills they worked so hard for.
Another common condition that requires this expertise is pelvic floor dysfunction. Many people experience this condition after pregnancy and childbirth. The proper treatment strengthens pelvic floor muscles and helps patients gain more control over their bowel movements and urination.
Maximizing Body’s Potential
Individuals who haven’t sustained injuries can still benefit from physical therapy. For example, athletes may seek PT performance training to increase their prowess on the field. Physical therapists can create treatment plans to help patients improve in a variety of areas:
- Balance
- Endurance
- Strength
Even if you don’t participate in sports, increasing your physical capabilities can improve your quality of life and even help you avoid future injuries.
Improve Balance
As you age, balance increasingly becomes an issue. Several medical conditions can interfere with balance:
- Vision problems
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- Heart disease
- Nerve problems
Poor balance increases the risk of slipping and falling. Physical therapists can work with patients to improve balance with wobble boards, single-leg stance routines and other exercises.
Athletes who rely on balance, such as gymnasts, may also seek physical therapy to this end. Since every patient has different goals and capabilities, medical professionals tailor exercises to each person. Doing so requires thorough knowledge of the proprioceptive system, vestibular system and vision, which all work together to achieve balance.
Increased Mobility
Mobility is patients’ ability to move under their own power. Injury, chronic pain and conditions that cause joint stiffness can all impact someone’s mobility. Physical therapy to treat mobility issues may focus on alleviating pain, stretching muscles and strengthening specific areas of the body.
Athletes may also want to increase their mobility, as many sports require speed and agility. A physical therapist can identify muscles that need strengthening and provide exercises for the targeted areas.
Seeking physical therapy Winston Salem can make a significant difference to your health. Whether you want to optimize your performance in sports or want to prevent a fall, a physical therapist can help. Remember, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results.