For people with health problems resulting from an injury or disease, the physical therapist assists in the recovery process. Through extensive physical examination then treatment the therapist assists people with results that include pain relief, increased flexibility and strength, help regaining use of an affected limb, or relearning activities of daily living such as walking, dressing, or work activities.

Physical therapists are the experts at designing and supervising individualized conditioning programs to promote optimal fitness and physical performance to help people avoid hurting themselves at work or play.

Although a number of physical therapist work in hospitals, now more than 70 percent can be found in private offices, corporate or industrial health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, and colleges/universities. Physical therapists work closely with your physician and other members of the health care team to develop the best plan to meet your goals and expectations.

The physical therapist is expertly trained to evaluate a patient’s spinal and extremity joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, functional ability in daily activities, muscle tone and reflexes. The therapist also assesses the quality and stability of walking, function of the heart and lungs, integrity of sensation and perception, need and use of braces, orthotics, and artificial limbs, and developmental activities.

Physical therapy treatment techniques for your specific problem may include therapeutic exercise, soft tissue and joint mobilization, cardiovascular endurance training, relaxation exercises, therapeutic massage, biofeedback, activities of daily living training, wound debridement, pulmonary physical therapy, ambulation training, ergonomic assessment of your work place, and instruction in proper posture and body mechanics. Therapeutic modalities may also be used including ice, heat, ultrasound, electrotherapy, traction, and hydrotherapy to promote decreased pain, increased circulation, and a more optimal healing response.

Ask yourself some simple questions:

Are you living with aches or pains and have never tried physical therapy?

Have you been told, “That’s as good as you will ever be,” or “You will simply have to live with the pain,” and have never tried physical therapy?

Are you losing flexibility and/or strength with activities such as golf, gardening, throwing, running, walking, etc. and have never tried physical therapy?
Most conditions involving pain or dysfunction can benefit from the proper course of therapy. If you feel physical therapy may be appropriate for you, contact your physician and/or your insurance company. If you are tired of your aches and pains and want to improve your daily performance your local physical therapist is ready to design your individual program today.