Everything You To Need To Know About Physical Therapy

Written by Andy Zapata

People are sometimes weary when they hear a term with the word ‘therapy.’ However, physical therapy can be a very useful option and is less expensive than having surgery. If you are hesitant to see a Physical Therapist, don’t worry.  We’re hear to explain what this new experience is all about and what you can expect.

What is Physical Therapy?

WebMD defines Physical Therapy as care that aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live better. It is aimed at helping anyone who has experienced an injury or ailment, regardless of age. Physical Therapy promotes healing and wellness by working with a therapist and performing exercises that will relieve pain and exude strength in your bones and muscles.

What does a Physical Therapist Do?

A Physical Therapist is a health care professional that diagnoses and treats patients of all ages who have a health condition or concern that limits their mobility and routine daily activities. They take special care when finding treatments for individuals by performing several evaluations and determining what will be the most effective solution. PTs also work with patients by communicating about preventative measures to use in the future to limit their loss of movement. They also develop fitness and wellness programs for their patients to follow and promote more active and healthy lifestyles centered around the healing of their injury or ailment.

Physical Therapists can work in numerous settings, but here at Physical Therapy Now, we operate in our own private facilities and operate franchises in several states.

Are there different types of Physical Therapy?

Yes. As is the case with many different types of medical professions, there are several types of Physical Therapy. Some of the more common types:

Orthopedic Physical Therapy – Therapy that treats injuries to muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons. This type of treatment is used when you have a fracture, sprain, tendonitis, or other chronic medical problems.

Geriatric Physical Therapy – Specializes in helping older patients that develop ailments that affect their mobility. This is commonly used for patients with arthritis, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurological Physical Therapy – Helps those individuals with neurological disorders. IT plays a key role in assisting those with ailments such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s.

Pediatric Physical Therapy – Specializes in diagnosing and treating infants, children, or teenagers. This is used for any developmental or physical conditions that would affect the adolescent’s musculoskeletal system.

What can I expect from Physical Therapy?

When you come in to Physical Therapy Now for your first session, you can expect to be treated with kindness and respect. We understand that you may have doubts or questions…  that is perfectly normal! We are here to help you with anything you need to be comfortable.

The first thing we do is a thorough evaluation. We will ask you questions about your pain and your previous medical history to get a better understanding of who you are. If you are not sure of an answer, you can give us as much information as you can. We will also ask you to do a physical exam that will identify your strengths and areas of weakness. This will give us a better understanding of where you are experiencing pain and how we can treat you. Don’t worry if you don’t ‘feel’ that you are not very strong; we understand that you are in pain, and we are here to help you with getting stronger and with pain relief.

After you receive your diagnosis, we will present you with a care plan and will discuss the short-term and long-term goals of your treatment.

After everything else is completed, we will begin the treatment and intervention process. Your treatments may include strength exercises or stretches, massages, heat or cold therapy, or an ultrasound to ease the pain. In some instances, you may use devices such as a walker or cane to regain movement. Sometimes you may be asked to complete exercises at home in between sessions to keep you on track and improve your health. The therapist will likely change or adapt your treatment methods based on your progression.

How can I benefit from going to Physical Therapy?

There are a number of reasons that you could benefit from by going to Physical Therapy. The top benefits from Medical News Today include:

• Pain Management
• Improved Mobility and movement
• Recovery from injury/ trauma
• Fall Prevention
• Improved balance

How do I know if Physical Therapy is right for me?

Physical Therapy does not discriminate; it can be for anyone of any age, gender, or race. If you been in a car accident or experienced some other type of traumatic injury to any parts of your body, Physical Therapy is probably right for you.

People who play contact sports such as basketball or football are more likely to need a physical therapist. This is due to their muscles being constantly used and overworked; it puts them at a greater risk of injury. Another group of people who are more prone to seeing physical therapists are senior citizens. Due to their bones being more fragile, they can be more at risk for injuries.

How Much Is Physical Therapy?  Is it Affordable?

Physical Therapy is very affordable, especially when compared to other treatment options. Physical Therapy Now works with most insurance companies, and our services are priced competitively. We have numerous locations for your convenience, and we are currently expanding to other geographical areas.

Are You Ready for Physical Therapy in Miami?

Are you ready to feel better, get stronger, and get started on your road to recovery?  Call us now at (800) 481-4582 to get started.  Let’s do this together!