Although many people have heard the term physical therapy, often times the definition and the process involved are unknown. Physical therapy is a health care profession which provides services to individuals in order to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout life.
Physical therapy services are essential in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Physical therapy is effective for a wide array of problems. It can treat anything from minor aches and pains, to major neurological and orthopedic injuries, and cardiopulmonary disorders.
Have you ever sustained an injury or endured pain for so long, that you forgot what life without this pain was like? You may find your self struggling to get through daily activities and simple tasks that once were performed without a second thought of pain or discomfort. It is at this point that a physician may deem physical therapy a medical necessity.
The goal of physical therapy is to bring back the patient to his/her normal self. This is a state of being that is free from pain or suffering. It is returning to the normal life in which performing all daily activities are done with minimal or no difficulty.
Typically, the patient is subject to an initial evaluation on his/her first session. The physical therapist assesses the patient’s level of pain, range of motion, along with other tests designed specifically for the given diagnosis. The therapist then creates an individualized treatment program for that patient. It is very important to understand that a treatment program should not only be specific to the diagnosis, but to the individual person as well.
Although, we are all created equally, we are certainly created differently. This translates to different rates of healing and diverse responses to unique treatment methods. With that said, there are four skeleton components of physical therapy treatment that lead to the achievement of this goal: pain management, improved flexibility, strengthening, and a home exercise program.
People usually turn toward physical therapy because of pain they feel. Pain control is the first component and is addressed through administering modalities. Modalities may include: therapeutic ultrasound, electric stimulation, laser treatment, light therapy, manual therapy, ice and heat. These modalities alleviate pain in various ways. They can relax the muscles, decrease inflammation, eliminate muscle tightness and spasms, regulate the nerves and promote blood supply to the affected area.
The second component of physical therapy involves achieving joint flexibility. When an injury occurs, or pain is present, the joint/s in the affected area is often immobilized. If pain is present, people tend to guard that area by not moving the joint. Before you know it, joint mobility is lost. The irony is that the loss of joint mobility actually increases pain. Joint mobility can be regained through various stretching exercises, passive exercises, assisted exercises, active exercises, and manual therapy.
The third component is strengthening. This includes strengthening the muscles that surround the affected area. The stronger these muscles get, the chances of re-injury decrease. Strength is attained through therapeutic exercises. Equally important is monitoring these exercises. This is how the physical therapist determines when to upgrade, and when to redesign the exercise program as the patient progresses. This allows the patient to reach their fullest potential.
The Home Exercise Program assigned to the patient by the physical therapist is crucial in preventing the patient from regressing to their state of being from day one. The HEP is provided for the patient during treatment or on his/her last visit.
The therapist will go through the program with the patient, giving him/her instructions and supplies if necessary. It is important for the patient to understand that the journey to recovery is not over on the last physical therapy session. The journey is constant and continues with the Home Exercise Program.
Too many times, I find that a negative mindset will greatly inhibit the patient from fully recovering and experiencing the benefits of physical therapy. For it to be effective, it is important that the patient also respond positively to the treatment. This is achieved through a positive frame of mind versus a melancholy mindset. As a result, effective physical therapy must also include efforts to motivate the patient to make sure that he/she remains in a positive mindset during each session.
There seems to be a misconception I have come across. Too often I find people under the impression that physical therapy is only necessary after an accident or after surgery. The truth is you can maintain your body’s health with physical therapy, just as you maintain your car.
Although physical therapy is essential post surgery or post accident, physical therapy can serve as a prevention mechanism to surgery or future accidents. Furthermore, physical therapy is extremely beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease, post stroke patients, and those suffering from dizziness or vertigo.
There are endless uses for physical therapy. For example, there are treatment programs individualized for children with developmental delays as well as treatment programs beneficial to a mother expecting a child.
Whatever your situation may be, please understand healing takes determination, diligence and discipline. If you feel that you might benefit from physical therapy, I urge you to contact your physician or a physical therapist and discuss options.
