Physiotherapy or physical therapy is non-medicinal treatment provided to promote, maintain, or restore health. Physical therapists treat patients through prescribed exercises, hands-on care, and therapeutic modalities. The goals of physical therapy are to relieve pain, improve mobility and function, assist in your recovery from an injury or surgery, and help you live a productive, healthy life.
Physical therapists also provide patient education to promote health and wellness. Physical therapists collaborate with doctors to provide safe and effective treatments. Physical therapy can help patients of all ages, as programs are customized to the patient’s needs.
Here are the top reasons why a person may need physical therapy services.
To Recover From an Illness
Patients who have been hospitalized by illness can benefit from physical therapy services. For instance, physical therapy services benefit stroke patients. Hospitalization can lead to weakness, which can lead to a loss of independence. The muscles need movement to remain flexible. Physical therapy exercises keep muscles throughout the body strong and flexible through stretching and strengthening exercises. They also help patients that may have balance issues due to hospitalization and shorten their hospital stay.
To Manage Pain From Joint Disease
Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. The inflammation is caused by the bones rubbing against each other. A sedentary lifestyle can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Physical therapy services, which include stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises, heat and cold therapy, and electrical stimulation, can help with pain relief, as well as improve circulation and joint range of motion.
To Avoid Surgery
Patients with joint problems, disc problems, and sports injuries may be able to avoid surgery with the help of physical therapy. Physical therapy is considered a conservative approach. With the results of physical therapy, more invasive treatments can be delayed or completely avoided. Patients who are scheduled for surgery who undergo physical therapy prior to the surgery also have a better and faster recovery.
To Treat and Prevent Injury
Sports and occupational injuries are often the result of faulty movements or biomechanical errors. Poor form and technique can lead to injuries. Physical therapists can correct errors in movement and technique, which can help patients avoid strains, sprains, and tendonitis while improving mobility and function. Physical therapy can also create a program to help avoid the same injuries from occurring again.
With an excellent physical therapy program and a competent physical therapist, people can return to their previous or greater level of activity, and ultimately feel better.
Physical Therapy Services in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN
At Watauga Orthopedics, we offer a superior physical therapy rehabilitation program for patients who are recovering from an illness or injury, as well as those with chronic conditions. Our physical therapists are licensed professionals and experts in restoring function and mobility to all patients. Part of our rehab team is hand therapists and athletic trainers. We work together to help improve your quality of life, no matter your background or needs. To schedule a consultation, call Watauga Orthopedics at (423) 282-9011 or use our online request form to make an appointment.
