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Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a healthcare rehabilitative practice that helps manage chronic pain and restore normal mobility. You can think of it as a conservative approach to treating movement problems or musculoskeletal disorders. It uses exercises, movement training and posture correction techniques to bring relief instead of pain meds or surgeries. Whether you want to deal with a sports injury or recover after a complex surgery, physical therapy has got your back. So, without further ado, let’s dig a little deeper into the topic so you know what to expect from physiotherapy clinics.
PT is an exercise-based healthcare practice that primarily improves your movement, flexibility and range of motion. It also strengthens your core muscles and prevents further injuries.
Exercise prescriptions, manual therapy and patient education form the basis of physical therapy. The main focus of PT is to help you restore your normal movement. Physical therapists use these techniques to reduce acute or chronic pain and improve your movement and overall physical function.
Physical therapists are licensed practitioners who go through rigorous training before working in healthcare settings. You can find them in nursing homes, occupational settings, physiotherapy clinics, research centres, hospitals and schools.
Physical therapy involves no surgeries or pain meds. It stimulates the natural healing process of your body while relieving a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. But, it isn’t limited to that. So, let’s check out the other benefits here:
Improves and maximizes your movements
Movement limitations occur with injuries, age or overuse of muscles. Physical therapists identify the underlying problem and help you maximize your movement potential. They use hands-on manipulation techniques and exercises to help you achieve physical independence.
Reduces acute and chronic pain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, physical therapy can be considered an effective pain management option. The therapists use stretching and strengthening exercises along with therapeutic massages to reduce acute or chronic pain.
Treats and prevents sports injuries
Athletes can improve their sports performance and strengthen core with sports physiotherapy. It reduces pain, prevents further injuries and helps you perform better at the next game.
Prevents surgeries
Chronic pain, if left untreated, can lead to surgeries. Physiotherapy/physical therapy diagnoses and treats the problem from its core and reduces the symptoms of pain. It prevents the condition from worsening and helps you explain better.
Takes care of your overall wellness
Physical therapists help people manage their overall health and wellness. They also provide you with lifestyle advice and exercise precsriptions so you can maintain full physical functionality.
Here are some conditions physical therapy can help treat:
In other words, you should see a physical therapist if you are in pain or experiencing movement problems.
You can choose a specific type based on your health goals, needs and preferences. The main types of physical therapists are:
Geriatric physical therapy
Older adults can improve their physical function and mobility with geriatric physical therapy. It is best suited for conditions affecting movement such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Pelvic floor therapy
This is best suited for conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. Other common symptoms include urinary incontinence, bowel movement issues and frequent peeing.
Orthopedic physical therapy
It focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in the muscles, tendons, fascia, bones and ligaments. The treatment methods include manual therapy, mobility training, joint mobilization and more.
Neurological therapy
People with neurological conditions can benefit from this one. The treatments use exercises and manual therapies to improve movement patterns, strength, balance and limb responsiveness.
Vestibular therapy
Balance problems can reduce significantly with this therapy. It focuses on relieving inner ear conditions and restoring normal balance.
Wrapping Up,
Physical therapy is often interchangeably used with physiotherapy in various parts of the world. The former, however, is an integral part of the latter, which is itself a vast field. You can benefit from physical therapy if you are suffering from chronic pain, neurological disorders or musculoskeletal injuries. There are physiotherapy clinics in Abbotsford that offer all types of physical therapies along with other treatments.
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