Physical therapy has been around for some time. A common misconception is that it is just an option for post-injury treatment. But physical therapy can actually help you prevent injury, too.
Getting injured often results in lots of medical bills and having to take time off work. Sometimes accidents happen, but if you can help it, you are going to avoid getting hurt in the first place. We will take a closer look at what physical therapy is, what benefits it has, and how to take advantage of it to prevent future injury.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of treatment for disease, injury, or even deformity that uses physical methods rather than drugs or surgery. Such methods include massage, heat treatment, and exercises. There are many different conditions that physical therapy can help treat. Some of the most common include headaches, joint pain, back or neck pain, arthritis, and osteoporosis. And of course, people who suffer from sports-related injuries often incorporate physical therapy into their treatment plan.
Furthermore, physical therapy can help with far more issues, including the following:
- Lymphedema—Physical therapists can use complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to reduce areas of swelling and help prevent fluid buildup in the future.
- Muscular dystrophy—Mobility exercises and supporting frames both assist in treating this disease.
- Vertigo—Balance exercises can greatly improve symptoms of vertigo.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome—Learning about proper posture and performing certain stretches and exercises can help alleviate pain from this type of wrist injury.
- Respiratory issues—Physical therapists incorporate breathing tasks that target the diaphragm to strengthen the lungs.
- Parkinson’s disease—Given the nature of this disease, you can use resistance strength exercises to help control motor skills.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome—In cases of chronic fatigue syndrome, physical therapists generally work with a doctor to create a treatment plan that includes endurance tasks.
Importance of Injury Prevention
You can use physical therapy as a preventative measure as well. You can improve your movement and flexibility via stretching and exercising, for instance. There are certain techniques and exercises a physical therapist will use to address any issues you have and ensure you heal from injuries or diseases. But they can use those same techniques to strengthen your body to avoid future issues, too.
There are many reasons you might seek physical therapy as a post-injury treatment option. But now you know that you may also benefit from physical therapy for preventive care.
Here are just a few areas that physical therapy can help with:
- Improving balance
- Preventing injuries from falls
- Improving mobility and range of motion
- Managing chronic pain
- Helping with the recovery process from surgery
The benefits of physical therapy are vast. There are plenty of reasons you might choose to work with a trained physical therapist. Many benefits overlap with each other. If you want to use physical therapy to improve your balance, you will likely improve your mobility as well. In a similar fashion, if you use certain exercises to manage chronic pain, you will probably gain more flexibility or strength.
Injury prevention involves taking any actions that will strengthen your body in such a way that you reduce the risk of injury. As an example, you can improve your balance using specific methods that will help you lower the risk of falling. Or you might incorporate exercises to improve your range of motion. This could result in stronger joints that can take “harder hits” when you participate in certain activities.
Working on injury prevention is important for people of any age. However, keep in mind that your body struggles harder to heal as you get older. Usually, people don’t purposefully put themselves in situations in which they might get hurt. Sometimes people are careless, are not paying attention, or are caught off guard. But other times, they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing your best to strengthen your body can prevent you from suffering more than you would otherwise.
Types of Exercises to Prevent Injury
Apart from specific exercises, you also need to know the importance of stretching. Stretching in general is something everyone should incorporate into their daily routine. Even simple stretches, like reaching for your toes while standing or sitting, will increase your flexibility over time. Increased flexibility can turn an otherwise major injury into a minor one. Walking is probably one of the simplest exercises a person can do. Biking, either outside or on a stationary machine, is likewise beneficial to strength building.
When you visit a physical therapist, they can outline the exercises that will best help you achieve your goals. As with any good treatment plan, it should cater to your specific needs. The exercises a physical therapist will recommend will differ if you want to increase your flexibility versus improve your balance.
Regardless, you should remain active by committing to regular physical therapy sessions. You will improve your body’s strength and flexibility. You will boost your overall health and well-being in the process. And your risk of injury will go down dramatically.
How We Can Help
If you are searching for physical therapy in Swansea, know that we are here to help. With us, you will receive a tailored treatment plan or prevention plan. When you choose to work with Specht Physical Therapy, you can expect the best care as our services are as unique as each client we serve. We encourage you to check out our website to read about the previous success stories of those with whom we have helped already. Don’t just take it from us—see what our past patients are saying!
You can contact us today to learn more and get started with preventing injury with physical therapy and improving your wellness in the process. Let today be the day you start living each day to the fullest.
