Physical therapy is a treatment program that helps decrease pain and regain strength and range of motion. You may need physical therapy after an injury or surgery to help you fully recover. Physical therapy is also used to teach people how to move properly to prevent injuries.
A physical therapist treats muscle and skeletal problems that affect your ability to move and function in daily life. A physical therapist is trained in an accredited program within a college or university. They are required to be licensed in the state in which they practice.
On your first visit the therapist will examine you and ask about your health history and any problems you are having. Make sure that you let your therapist know what activities you would like to return to. The therapist will do a series of tests and measures, such as checking your range of motion and strength. Then the therapist will discuss a care plan with you. Your care plan may include physical therapy sessions for weeks or months until you have reached your treatment goals.
There are several types of treatments that you may have. The treatments you have will depend on your condition.
Physical treatments. These treatments help make your muscle and joints more flexible and decrease pain and swelling.
Electrical therapy treatments. These treatments are used to decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. They may help retrain and strengthen weak muscles, and help wounds and soft tissues heal.
These treatments include.
Manual therapy. This refers to any "hands-on" treatment done by the therapist. The purpose is to increase your range of motion and strength and to decrease pain and swelling. Manual therapy may include.
Exercise. Therapeutic exercise offers many benefits. It can help restore and maintain strength, joint and muscle flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, and endurance. Many physical therapy treatments include some form of exercise.
Traction. This treatment uses a machine to mildly separate the joints of the spine and reduces spinal compression. Traction is most often used for people with neck or back pain.
While the overall goal of physical therapy is to reduce your pain, the process may sometimes be painful. It is important to tell your therapist if you have any discomfort during or after your treatment. Many therapists suggest the use of ice on the painful area right after doing any exercise.
How often and how long you have physical therapy depends on your condition and your goals. Many people are discharged from physical therapy with instructions to keep doing certain exercises at home. These exercises may help prevent future injury.
In most cases, a healthcare provider will refer you to physical therapy. In some states, you have direct access to physical therapy and do not need a referral. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company about your coverage for physical therapy.
