You may have heard of physical therapy before, and you may be aware that it’s meant to help people recover from injuries or other pain issues over time. There may, however, also be several important aspects of physical therapy that you aren’t aware of.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re happy to offer unmatched physical therapy services for patients around Utah, with physical therapists who help with everything from head and neck injuries to back injuries, hand and wrist injuries, shoulder injuries and more. Here are a few things you may not have known about the world of PT, and which may help you learn more and utilize this beneficial approach for your own needs.
Physical Therapy Treats an Incredibly Wide Range of Issues
One area we’ve found that many first-time patients don’t quite grasp is just how far-reaching a physical therapist’s scope can be. From sports-related injuries and post-surgery rehabilitation to neurological disorders, chronic pain, and even balance concerns in seniors, there is truly no end to the versatility of this medical practice.
For instance, physical therapy can play a pivotal role in restoring mobility and reducing pain after a stroke or spinal cord injury, as well as helping patients with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms and maintain independence. Additionally, those who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis or fibromyalgia can find relief through targeted exercises and techniques provided by a physical therapist.
You Typically DON’T Need a Referral
Some mistakenly believe that to see a physical therapist, you must obtain a referral from a doctor. While some states did require this before 2015, that year saw a move to what’s known as “direct access” – meaning no referral or prescription from a doctor is typically needed.
This means that if you’re sure physical therapy is right for you, or it’s a requirement by your insurance provider, you may typically go directly to a physical therapist without waiting for approval from another healthcare professional.
Physical Therapy Involves Cutting-Edge Modern Techniques
For somewhat understandable reasons, some people have an impression of physical therapy that mostly speaks to manual adjustments and “old school” forms of therapy. And it’s true that manual therapy remains a major part of many PT programs, and can be useful for many injuries.
However, the PT field has continued to evolve in recent years and decades, with new techniques and methods entering the field all the time. This includes approaches like aquatic therapy (exercising in water for low-impact workouts) or dry needling (inserting needles into trigger points, much like acupuncture). These techniques can be incredibly effective for certain individuals, and they’re just a small part of the broader range of options available through physical therapy.
Physical Therapy Can Help You Long After an Injury Has Healed
There’s a common misconception that physical therapy is only necessary immediately after an injury, surgery, or other medical event. In reality, however, there are plenty of cases where PT can make a difference long after any immediate healing has occurred. For example, if you’ve undergone surgery to repair a torn ligament in your knee, that surgical procedure may have been completed months ago – but you might still be experiencing limited flexibility and strength in the affected area, making it difficult for you to resume your normal activities.
In such a case, physical therapy can help you build up your range of motion and muscle strength in the affected limb or joint. You might also benefit from balance training so that you can avoid accidents related to that weaker spot. PT can also help with pain management by targeting any remaining inflammation or compensatory movement patterns that are causing discomfort.
It Helps Prevent Injury
Down related lines, physical therapy can help you strengthen and stabilize your body before engaging in sports or other intense physical activities. By addressing any muscle imbalances, improving flexibility and enhancing coordination, you’re better able to avoid potential injuries that may occur during exercise or daily life.
It Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle
Physical therapy isn’t just about treating an injury or condition – it’s also about promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through education on proper posture, body mechanics, and nutrition, physical therapists empower their patients to make positive changes for their overall well-being. They also provide guidance on how to create an exercise routine tailored to individual needs and abilities.
It Can Benefit Mental Health
In addition to the physical benefits, physical therapy can also have positive effects on mental health. Chronic pain and injuries can take a toll on a person’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Physical therapy not only helps alleviate physical symptoms, but it also promotes relaxation and stress management techniques that can improve mood and overall mental health.
As you can see, there’s a lot to take in when it comes to physical therapy. To learn more, or to get connected with physical therapists in Utah who will help you identify your pain source and manage it effectively, contact our team at ImPackt Physical Therapy today.
