Is Physical Therapy Safe? : How does physical therapy work? Is it effective? Which injuries can it treat? And, of course, perhaps the most important question any first time patient will have: is physical therapy safe?
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at physical therapy and answering these questions and more. If you’re recovering from an injury, whether it’s a sports-related injury or a car accident injury, physical therapy can prove to be an effective treatment option for helping you recover faster than ever. And since physical therapy works with your body—not against it—you can also experience a longer lasting recovery.
What is Physical Therapy?
Going online and typing in a search for “physical therapists near me” is a great way to get started on your road to recovery. But if you’ve never engaged in a physical therapy program before, you’re bound to have a lot of questions.
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is physical therapy? According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapy can be understood as a specialized type of healthcare that involves the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of patients who are suffering from an injury or illness or find themselves recovering from an accident. Physical therapy can be beneficial for many different types of patients and is commonly included in a comprehensive treatment plan for those recovering from an injury.
When you go to visit a physical therapy office, your physical therapist will be a licensed healthcare provider who has certifications in providing safe and effective physical therapy techniques. They will work closely with the patient via a hands-on approach to care that involves various exercises and stretches. The program itself will be designed specifically for the healthcare needs of the patient. With time, focus, and dedication to the program, these exercises and stretches can help your body heal naturally. Physical therapy can also boost your overall fitness and wellness and help you avoid invasive treatments like surgery.
Who Could Benefit From Receiving Physical Therapy?
In many ways, physical therapy is so common and popular because it can be used to effectively treat a variety of healthcare issues. While most of us think of physical therapy for those recovering from a significant injury or accident, such as a car accident injury, this is just the tip of the iceberg for what physical therapists can do. From minor injuries to major accident recovery, physical therapy can be an effective approach to holistic care.
If you’re experiencing any of the following injuries or illnesses, then talk to your doctor about the possibilities of adding physical therapy to your treatment plan.
- Back pain.
- Neck pain or stiffness.
- Arthritis.
- Recovering from a car accident.
- Sports-related injuries.
- Cardiac rehabilitation.
- Work-related injuries.
- Cancer recovery.
- Pre and post-surgical care and recovery.
- Muscle sprains and strains.
- Joint injuries.
- Balance or mobility issues.
If you think you could benefit from receiving physical therapy, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care physician for more information about this unique approach to care. Your doctor may even be able to provide you with a referral to an experienced and trustworthy physical therapist near you.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Last?
Depending on your specific health and recovery needs, a physical therapy program can range in duration. Generally, physical therapy will last at least a few weeks and may go on for a few months. It really comes down to your needs and how serious your injury or illness was that had you begin your physical therapy. In many cases, you can even continue your physical therapy routine on your own at home. While a licensed physical therapist will initially guide you, being able to perform the exercises on your own is a key advantage to this type of care.
Is Physical Therapy Safe?
Some patients may be hesitant to engage with physical therapy due to the safety concerns. After all, compared to other types of treatment (like medication for example), physical therapy is a much more hands-on type of care. It’s natural for new patients to be concerned that the manual exercises and some of the stretches could actually do more harm than good to your body. However, according to ample evidence, this is rarely the case for any physical therapy patients.
When working with an experienced, licensed physical therapist, physical therapy is one of the safest types of treatments—no matter your age or level of fitness. A physical therapy routine is adaptable and tailored to fit your specific healthcare needs, which is one reason why it’s ideal for so many different types of patients. The practice of physical therapy works with your entire body to heal naturally so you can maintain good mobility and a high level of activity for all the years to come. This is why physical therapy is one of the most effective types of care for almost any type of patient or injury recovery.
Conclusion
No matter your age, fitness level, or recovery needs, physical therapy could be an effective approach to care to get you back to the life you love. Getting physical therapy from a licensed Denver physical therapist can help your body heal naturally so you experience a faster and longer lasting recovery. Additionally, physical therapy can help those dealing with mobility issues, chronic pain, joint stiffness, or even recovery from illnesses such as cancer or post-surgical recovery.
But that’s not all. Physical therapy can also offer quick relief from pain throughout the body, improve your joint health and overall mobility, and even boost your athletic performance. This can be a great benefit whether you’re an athlete or just a weekend warrior who enjoys an active lifestyle. As a non-invasive and holistic approach to treatment, physical therapy is viewed as one of the safest approaches to treatment one can receive.
Still not sure? Just ask the millions of individuals who have experienced the myriad of benefits from this type of treatment. Physical therapy can also help you avoid surgery and prescription medication, and at the end of the day, get you back to the lifestyle you love.
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