What Is and Why Try Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on helping people recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities that affect their ability to move and function. It is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healing that emphasizes exercise, manual therapy, and patient education.
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The goal of physical therapy is to improve a person's quality of life by reducing pain, restoring mobility, and increasing strength and flexibility. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from athletes recovering from injuries to elderly patients with chronic conditions.

Here are some of the key benefits of physical therapy:

1. Pain reduction: Physical therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by a range of conditions, including injuries, arthritis, and chronic pain. Physical therapists use various techniques, such as manual therapy, dry needling, cupping, isolated massage, to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
2. Improved mobility and function: Physical therapy can help improve a person's ability to move and function by strengthening muscles, improving balance and coordination, and increasing flexibility. This can help people regain their independence and perform daily activities with greater ease.
3. Injury prevention: Physical therapy can also be used to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. By strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and identifying and addressing potential issues before they become serious, physical therapy can help reduce the risk of injury.
4. Rehabilitation after surgery: Physical therapy is often an important part of the rehabilitation process following surgery. Physical therapists can work with patients to help them regain strength, mobility, and function after a procedure.
5. Management of chronic conditions: Physical therapy can also be helpful for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. By working with patients to develop personalized exercise and stretching programs, physical therapists can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.​

There are a wide range of techniques and approaches used in physical therapy, depending on the patient's needs and goals. Here are some of the most common:

1. Manual therapy: This includes techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation. Manual therapy can help improve mobility and reduce pain by addressing issues with the soft tissues and joints.
2. Exercise therapy: This involves using specific exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapists will often work with patients to develop customized exercise programs that address their specific needs and goals.
3. Electrical stimulation: This involves using electrical currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. It can be used to reduce pain, improve muscle strength, and promote healing.
4. Dry needling: Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use to treat pain and movement impairments. A "dry" needle, one with medication or injection, is inserted into areas of the muscle. Dry needling is not acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine and is supported by research.

Physical therapy is a highly personalized approach to healthcare. Physical therapists work closely with patients to develop customized treatment plans that address their specific needs and goals. This can include everything from simple exercises to complex manual therapy techniques.

If you are considering physical therapy, it is important to find a qualified and experienced physical therapist who can help you achieve your goals. Look for a physical therapist who is residency or fellowship trained and experienced with patients with similar conditions.

Physical therapy can be an effective, non-invasive approach to healing that can help improve your quality of life for many people who thought that it couldn't be. By working with a physical therapist, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain your independence in ways you may have never thought possible. Check out the bios of our qualified, educated providers, see their specialties, and then come try physical therapy. 

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