When you’re in pain, you’ll likely first turn to over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain continues, you’ll notice that the warning labels on the box truly apply to you, because you’ve been taking too many of them – and it could be causing liver damage or other problems. Therefore, the ideal solution to treating chronic pain without medication or surgery is physical therapy.
Although we tend to think of physical therapy as just a recovery program after injury or surgery, it is actually much more. It is also utilized to help athletes and other active people get stronger and avoid injury.
Let’s talk about how professional physical therapy can provide long-lasting health benefits, especially noninvasive treatment and prevention of injury, and where you can go in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia to see a top-notch physical therapist.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy services are usually performed to help a patient get strong and healthy when recovering from surgery, injury, or disorder. To restore maximum function, physical therapists will show you how to engage in an actionable treatment plan, which may include:
- Exercises and stretches (to regain strength and capability in the given area)
- Functional activities (preparing food, grooming, gardening, etc.)
- Manual therapy (soft-tissue massage, lymph drainage, myofascial release, etc.)
Physical therapy is safe for patients of all ages, and it effectively treats a wide spectrum of medical conditions.
The success of physical therapy lies in two parts: (1) open communication with your physical therapist, and (2) discipline and adherence in following your treatment plan. Your ultimate results will also depend on your physical condition, pain intensity (if any), and overall health.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapists are licensed medical professionals who are trained in treating musculoskeletal and nerve-related problems, and most of them have earned a doctorate in their field. They know how to guide patients through various exercises to target strength and mobility in a certain area of the body or for a specific purpose, such as for a sport or profession.
A physical therapist can help relieve pain using:
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Electric therapy (TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Manual massage
A physical therapist can show you how to prevent injury by teaching the proper execution of exercises, posture, and body mechanics when performing various movements. Physical therapists are often found serving clients in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, private medical practices, and sports medicine clinics.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy?
In addition to treating chronic pain, aiding in proper recovery after surgery, or helping to heal an injury, physical therapy services offer a slew of health benefits for you, such as:
- Strengthening muscles
- Fostering long-term pain relief
- Improving balance and stability
- Restoring function and mobility
- Educating about injury prevention
- Promoting proper posture
- Managing chronic physical illnesses, such as diabetes
- Learning how to use assistive devices safely and effectively, such as crutches or walkers
Physical Therapy in Northeastern Tennessee
If you would like to experience the many benefits of physical therapy, contact Watauga Orthopaedics today. Our skilled and compassionate physical therapists provide the highest-quality care, enabling you to get stronger and achieve your best quality of life.
To make a physical therapy appointment, call us today at (423) 282-9011 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have convenient locations in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, and we look forward to being your partner in eliminating your pain and improving your health!
