{"id":1948,"date":"2016-02-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-ati-pt-2025.pantheonsite.io\/?p=1948"},"modified":"2024-12-17T17:34:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T17:34:05","slug":"seven-key-benefits-of-physical-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atipt.com\/seven-key-benefits-of-physical-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Key Benefits of Physical Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Many Benefits of Physical Therapy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Unless you\u2019ve attended physical therapy in the past, it\u2019s probably safe to say that most of us have only a rudimentary understanding of what it exactly entails. A common notion is that physical therapy helps people who are recovering from an injury or recent surgery. While that is certainly true, it\u2019s only a piece of the entire physical therapy puzzle!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical therapy (PT for short) is care that helps people restore or improve mobility, at times addressing pain. Therapists help patients better function in their daily lives and improve overall health. Not just any healthcare professional can perform PT. It takes a licensed physical therapist that has successfully completed specialized education and has gained clinical expertise to evaluate patients\u2019 needs and develop individualized plans of care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s empowering to understand the different ways that PT can be of benefit to both you and your family so that you are aware of your treatment options. Especially in this time of the Coronavirus, PT is a more accessible and often safer choice than higher-risk environments like medical facilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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7 Key Benefits of Physical Therapy\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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1. Recover From Injury or Surgery<\/h3>\n

Physical therapy after surgery and physical therapy treatment to recover from an injury are two very common reasons patients get PT. In both of these instances, the body is likely in a fragile state and requires consistent therapy over weeks or months. Physical therapists\u2019 goal is to get patients back to feeling like themselves so they can safely return to normal function and normal life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>2. Avoid Surgery\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, you read that correctly! There are some conditions that can be appropriately and fully addressed by a physical therapist \u2014 lower back conditions, meniscal tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few.<\/span><\/p>\n

A reputable doctor will refer patients to physical therapy if they believe that PT can effectively resolve their condition. However, you can also seek a second opinion by making an appointment for therapy on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many states now offer direct access to PT<\/a>, meaning, you do not need a prescription from a healthcare professional to seek physical therapy. Further,\u00a068% of patients with direct access to PT had resolved their symptoms without additional medical treatment<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>3.\u00a0<\/span>Physical Therapy Before Surgery\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

In situations where surgery is needed, a specialized type of physical therapy called\u00a0prehabilitation<\/a>\u00a0(prehab for short) can help prepare your body for a better post-operative recovery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Completing a prehabilitation physical therapy program prior to surgery helps to not only maximize your range of motion and strength, but it will also enhance your understanding of the recovery process after surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can think of prehab as a \u201cdress rehearsal\u201d for your post-operative experience. Its primary goal is to strengthen your body and reduce recovery time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>4.\u00a0<\/span>Reduce or Eliminate Back, Neck, or Knee Pain<\/span><\/h3>\n

With millions of Americans quarantining and working from home the last several months due to the Coronavirus, many have inadvertently settled into a more sedentary lifestyle. As a result, back, neck and knee pain are on the rise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Proper stretching, tailored exercises and posture while seated all play a critical role in helping reduce and eliminate your bodily pain in these areas. Physical therapists can help resolve your chronic pain and teach you how to prevent it from recurring.<\/span><\/p>\n