Physical Therapy Is Not Just for Injuries Anymore

When you hear about physical therapy most people tend to think it is only for the disabled or other people with different types of illness. This preconceived notion originates back to nearly an entire century when physical therapy was first introduced in the United States and used as an effective treatment for polio. It was not until the mid 20th century when physical therapy began to gravitate toward hospitals and outpatient facilities as well as nursing units and a variety of other medical facilities.

Physical therapy is not just for the disabled, injured, or the ill anymore thanks to recent advancements. The intelligence of physical therapy is quite developed and extends beyond hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Still people who lack knowledge of the physical therapy profession also are unaware of the many ways that physical therapy can help them achieve overall health and wellness and maintain it to improve longevity and a high quality of life.

So if you do not know why physical therapy is not just for injuries anymore you want to first ask yourself some questions. How do you currently feel? Are you physically able to do all of the things you want to do? Can you climb the stairs without getting out of breath? Do you have enough energy? Do you have any aches and pains or bothersome injuries? How is your mobility? Your diet?

When you ask these questions to yourself and more you will be surprised to find that physical therapy can help you with all of these aspects of your life and then some. Here is why physical therapy is not just for injuries anymore.

Physical Therapists Conduct Detailed Testing

When you pay a visit to a physical therapist they will conduct a detailed test for strength, flexibility, posture, heart rate, blood pressure, body mass index, and much more. Additionally, a physical therapist will provide a test that indicates percentiles to gauge your health level with others your age. The tests also evaluate the status of your entire body so an individualized treatment plan can be formulated.

Health and Wellness

In addition to helping with physical injuries and illnesses, physical therapists are interested in the overall health and wellness of individuals. If you are having difficulty losing weight or sticking with your diet, a physical therapist can design a personalized plan which will help you control your weight and continue to keep the weight off once you lose it. A physical therapist will guide you through your plan and help you to restore your health and prevent injuries.

Preventing Future Pain

Physical therapy can help you to become educated on the weaknesses in your body. A physical therapist can evaluate your body and tell you what improvements can be made to prevent future pain and injury or other health issues down the road. For example, if you sit all day at work a physical therapist can help you with exercises to prevent back pain or other ailments in the future. If you are in an accident, a physical therapist can help you release soft tissue restrictions early on to prevent chronic pain in the future.

Alleviate Frustrations with Health Goals

A lot of people get lazy or they feel too tired to work on their health and fitness goals. Others feel that life just happens to them and they let things slide. They want to achieve good health and fitness but life seems to be creating a roadblock to these goals. Also if you have some aches and pains, some people are under the impression that exercise will make it worse. Whatever is preventing you from achieving good health and fitness, you do not have to have an injury or illness to consult with a physical therapist regarding your frustrations.

The physical therapy field has expanded significantly and it is not just about injury and disability anymore. So start thinking about paying a visit to your local physical therapist to achieve good health and wellness. Physical therapy also helps you to reduce the costs of your medical bills by helping to prevent future injury and illness. If you make an effort to maintain good health your visits to medical professionals will be reduced and you will enjoy a higher quality of life.