When it comes to rehabilitative care, physical therapy has a wide range of benefits. There are also many reasons why you might see a physical therapist. Many people associate physical therapy, or PT, with recovery after a surgical procedure. However, physical therapists work with many different patients, including those recovering from an injury or surgery. Other reasons you may see a physical therapist can include improving your healthy functioning that may be compromised due to a specific medical condition. Physical therapy is a hands-on approach to improving your health and well-being so you can meet the goals for your recovery.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy Treatment
The benefits of physical therapy are far-reaching and long-lasting. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or simply need to improve your range of motion and overall strength, you’re sure to get a great deal of benefits from your physical therapy treatment.
Reduce Pain
Many people go to physical therapy after an accident to help reduce pain and discomfort. Car accident injuries and sports injuries are common reasons why someone may see a physical therapist because the recovery process may involve managing and reducing pain while you heal from your injuries.
Restore Mobility
Physical therapy helps people improve their mobility after an accident, surgery, or due to a medical condition. A car accident injury like whiplash may cause soreness and stiffness in the neck, which can make turning your head in certain directions painful or even seem impossible. A physical therapist can work with you to regain your range of motion in your neck after a whiplash injury.
Regain Strength
An injury or health condition that negatively impacts muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues in the body can leave you weakened. Physical therapists provide patients with stretches and exercises to help you regain strength in these areas. Muscles help provide support and stability, and the stronger they are, the better they are able to do their job.
Improve Functioning
Certain medical conditions can affect healthy functioning, like joint conditions. Arthritis is one example of a joint condition that can cause pain and discomfort. A condition like arthritis can also affect your healthy functioning in certain areas of the body and limit your ability to go about your day.
Increase Flexibility
Physical therapists also provide you with stretches and exercises that promote flexibility. Tense, stiff muscles can end up causing you more pain and discomfort. Increasing flexibility works to reduce your pain while also promoting better support for your body.
Continuing Care After Physical Therapy
In order to experience lasting results, you want to continue maintaining your health and well-being after physical therapy. Here are five things you can do to maintain your health after physical therapy:
Keep Moving
first step after physical therapy is to remember to keep moving. When you were in physical therapy, you had a physical therapist working with you regularly and going through stretches and exercises with health benefits. Continue these helpful routines and keep your body moving and your heart pumping so you can stay in shape.
Stay Hydrated
Pay attention to the amount of water you are drinking throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps to move nutrients through your body. Drinking more water can also help you avoid headaches, tiredness, and other things that may keep you from staying active.
Focus on Nutrition
Don’t forget to focus on your healthy eating habits, too! Eating foods full of nutrients feeds your body well and allows you to function at your best. There are many different nutrition recommendations out there, and your doctor can help you determine what works best for you.
Get Enough Rest
Make time to get enough rest each day. A good night’s sleep goes a long way to keeping you healthy and allowing your body a chance to recover. Studies have shown that most people don’t get enough sleep, so it helps to make time for intentional rest.
Practice Healthy Fitness
Your physical therapy regimen likely involved stretches and exercises meant to benefit you. Talk to your physical therapist about the best fitness options to continue moving forward so you can build off of the work you have done in physical therapy.
At AICA Orthopedics, our team of physical therapists works to ensure you get the best experience and recovery outcomes. Visit our Conyers location to learn more about how you can benefit from physical therapy and become a healthier you!