Why is Physical Therapy Important?
Physical therapy’s effects have been documented since circa 2700 BC in both China and Ancient Greece, thanks to Hippocrates (460 BC), the “Father of Medicine.” Body exercises and massages have been shown to aid not only muscle healing but also overall well-being.
Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1958, is “the science and art of treatment through therapeutic exercise, massotherapy, and electrotherapy, as well as the use of additional components such as water, light, or heat.” It entails doing many tests to measure muscular strength, affectation value, range of motion, and functional capabilities, as well as constant evolution control.”
“PT is a set of activities, strategies, and methods that, through the use of physical means, prevent, recover, and adapt persons affected somatically, or to maintain an adequate level of health,” according to the World Confederation of Physiotherapy (WCPT).
What are some of the physical therapy benefits?
It is necessary to acknowledge the intricacy of the physical therapist’s role in order to reap the benefits of physiotherapy. All therapies are used in accordance with the injury’s cause. Otherwise, they may exacerbate a condition if they do not provide relief.
This means that the physiotherapist must be prepared to cope with an infinite range of injuries and diseases, as well as patients of all ages and mental disabilities. As a result, physiotherapists must not only be highly trained and educated, but they must also develop empathy. This demonstrates to the patient that the physiotherapist is there to help, that he or she knows what he or she is going through, and that the pain is never minimized.
The fundamental benefit of physical therapy is that it can give targeted treatment with a focus on injury rehabilitation, muscular difficulties, and avoiding the loss of partial or entire mobility in an affected area. All of this while keeping the patient’s safety and comfort in mind.
What should someone expect, as a result of having done physical therapy?
Without question, the most important goal is to improve people’s quality of life, particularly those with fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (CFS).
Simultaneously, it aims to relieve patients’ discomfort, enhance body posture, physical abilities, and psychological status, improve conditions for daily activities, and enlighten patients about certain pathologies related to mobility and locomotion.
What are some of the most common ailments?
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Fibromyalgia
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Arthritis
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Sports injuries: These changes occur as a result of inadequate training or competition methods or the incorrect usage of sports equipment. Even with the finest procedures, professional and amateur athletes are likely to have multiple injuries throughout the course of their careers.
The following are the most common sports injuries:
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Fractures
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Displacement
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Inflammation
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Sprains of the ligaments
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Muscle tearing
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Joint discomfort
Physical therapy provides a more conservative option for the rehabilitation and healing of ailments that bind the system, avoiding extreme treatments, such as surgeries. It can also aid patients who have recently undergone surgery by supporting surgeons and doctors with post-operative difficulties.
You Can Expect:
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Improved mobility and movement: The many components that influence mobility have improved as a result of physical therapy treatments.
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Injury or trauma: Therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective ways to avoid many movement-related disorders. As a result, it greatly aids damage recovery and motor rehabilitation following trauma. The patient is urged to continue their normal routine as a result of this.
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Recovery from a stroke or paralysis: If the patient’s brain has been impacted by a cardiovascular ailment or something similar, they may need to relearn skills and movements that they have lost, allowing them to regain quality of life and, above all, motor independence. Physical activities might range from technology-assisted to cognitive and emotional exercises and therapies.
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Fall prevention: Older adults are more likely than other age groups to be victims of such accidents, but there are other sorts as well. You must work on the “motor reaction” to reduce this trend as well as the risk factors. This will dependent on the perception of environmental stimuli as well as the speed and precision with which those stimuli are responded to.
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Improved balance: As mentioned previously, a physical therapy program can help improve postural balance and control, which helps reduce and manage the risk of falling, especially in the elderly. These training procedures are frequently tailored to address dynamic and static balance, with or without visual cues.
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Help with Medical concerns associated with old age: Physical therapy for adults is divided into three categories: preventative physiotherapy, diagnostic physiotherapy, and traditional or rehabilitation physiotherapy, with the latter being the most well-known for treating lesions of various degrees, as well as post-surgical treatments. These procedures are similar to standard procedures, but they are personalized to each patient for improved reoccupation.
Physical Therapy assists us in various facets of our lives by positively intervening in our overall health. It aids in the prevention of sickness and suffering, as well as the re-education of our bodies.
PT can also help with the symptoms of degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and brain trauma. It also strengthens the body and, more importantly, improves the overall quality of life and well-being.
How long does it take for physical therapy to work?
The length of physical therapy will always be determined by the patient’s circumstances. A session usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. To treat specific diseases, more than one approach is often required, ranging from simple muscular workouts to receiving the advantages of massage in physical therapy. To find out if you’ll require monthly, weekly, or daily treatments, as well as how long each one will take, contact your clinic.
What advantages does physical therapy have for athletes?
If you are an athlete who wants to pursue physical therapy, keep in mind that it may be able to assist you in achieving your goals. Athletes in practically all sports are susceptible to injuries caused by the overuse of certain muscles or nerves or by physical contact.
The following are some of the advantages for athletes:
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Combats physical discomfort; accelerates muscle, ligament, and tendon recovery; ensures that the body recovers properly; eliminates toxins from the body
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Prevents future injuries and illnesses;
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Increases oxygen flow by adjusting posture and practicing healthy breathing patterns;
If you are in the Asheville, NC area, and are in need of a physical therapist, CONTACT one of our experts here at 1on1 Physical Therapy! We’d love to help. (828) 785-8388
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