If you suffer from chronic pain or a physical condition, you may benefit from a visit to a physical therapist (PT). A PT is trained in how the body moves and how different organs work together to make movements possible. They’re also familiar with a wide range of conditions and treatments that can help you feel better and move more safely.
The first step in PT for performance therapy is an evaluation. This involves a physical therapist asking you about your pain and other symptoms, how you function, how well you sleep and your medical history. This Q&A helps your PT understand your pain and get a better understanding of the cause, and can help your PT decide on a diagnosis and plan for treatment.
Next, your PT may use passive exercises to improve your mobility or prepare you for active exercises when you can do them yourself. These are sometimes used alone or with other forms of treatment, such as heat and cold therapy.
Your therapist may also use manual therapy, such as massage, to help you reduce scar tissue buildup caused by an injury or relax tight muscles. They may also prescribe at-home stretches and exercises to keep your rehab going between sessions. Check out this website at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Physical_Therapy for more info about PT.
It’s important to stay on top of your treatment plan if you want to see results, says PT John Reddon, owner of Teton Therapy in Riverton, Wyoming. “You’ll need to have an appointment every couple of weeks to get the most benefits,” he says.
For the most part, your PT will prescribe exercise to improve your mobility and coordination. They’ll also teach you how to do the exercises.
They’ll also help you manage the discomfort that you experience when performing these exercises. Some PTs will use heat or cold to ease pain and discomfort, such as with ice packs. They may also use electrotherapy, which uses an electrical current to deliver a variety of medications.
Another Mobilize treatment method your PT can use is acupuncture. This involves inserting needles into certain parts of your body, such as your hands or feet. It can relieve pain and improve circulation.
In some cases, physical therapists also use ultrasound or iontophoresis to reduce inflammation or increase blood flow in your body. It can be especially effective for arthritis.
Besides treating injuries and illnesses, your PT can also help you prevent them. They may recommend a regular routine of physical activity, such as walking, to help you avoid injuries or fall-related problems in the future.
Many patients who work with physical therapists also receive treatments that improve their balance and stability, such as with vestibular rehabilitation. This helps people who are affected by a stroke, dizziness or other movement disorders.
A good physical therapist will spend as much time with you as possible, getting to know your life story and your specific health issues. This makes your therapist a trusted advisor for you, which can be beneficial for both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Moreover, having a close relationship with your therapist can make your sessions more productive, allowing you to achieve your goals faster.
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