When it comes to health care, many people are skeptical about the idea of physical therapy. What exactly is it? Is it an alternative to regular doctor visits? Who are PTs and how can they help me? There are many questions, but this article will shed some light on the role it plays in the lives of potential patients.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is treatment in response to a health problem that affects a person’s day-to-day mobility. The aim is to alleviate the everyday difficulties and to make the small aspects of everyday action easier. It is by no means a substitute for a doctor’s visit; on the contrary, it is usually prescribed to a patient by a doctor to treat a disease. For example, if a person is diagnosed with a severe hairline fracture in their shin (leg) and needs crutches, the doctor will likely write a prescription for a one- or two-month series of physical therapy appointments. These appointments will take place after the leg has healed but are intended to strengthen the leg after it has stopped walking. The appointments can take place in a private facility or a hospital and are in connection with the doctor and insurance.
Who are Physiotherapists?
PTs are licensed medical professionals, usually with college degrees, who are trained to know best practices in muscle and body rehabilitation. Often coming from an athletic background, PTs are familiar with many possible injuries and can alleviate those injuries. They offer a better alternative to long-term use of prescription drugs or surgery. In cases where surgery is required, they can relieve pain after a difficult procedure and improve the rehabilitation process. You can find PTs in private clinics, hospitals, ambulatory health services, or other places where there is a need for treatment.
What can a new patient expect?
During the first appointment with a PT one can expect a diagnosis and summary of an illness and novice activities to alleviate the illness. After several appointments, one can begin to expect a regular program of exercises, stretches, and other activities aimed at controlling and treating the condition. Many of these activities can be done at home without the need for multiple on-site meetings. A PT will ask a patient to practice the stretches outside of the appointment, but treatment centers are equipped with a variety of machines and tools to aid in the treatment.
The benefits of physical therapy are unparalleled: relieving pain, improving mobility, healing tissues, repairing injuries, treating conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and more. If avoiding surgery or a lengthy prescription drug is a priority, one should make an appointment. There are more than 200,000 licensed PTs in the US across the country and help can be easily found.
Thanks to Alfred Ardis | #Benefits #Physical #Therapy