When it comes to recovering from injury, treating discomfort, and alleviating chronic pain, physicians often advise taking the route of physical therapy. This approach focuses on restoring regular body functions through movement while also addressing a variety of symptoms along the way.
While physical therapy remains a popular way to restore mobility and resolve several other issues, it is common to wonder how this approach works and delivers its required results. If you are currently exploring how physical therapy can help you with specific concerns, you may want to find answers to these questions.
The following guide sheds light on physical therapy, its role in regaining mobility, and its benefits for various other concerns.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is a treatment method that uses movement and physical stimulation to restore mobility, resolve discomfort, and relieve pain that stems from an injury or medical condition.
Besides movement issues and related challenges, physical therapy can also help restore the regular function of essential organs, the nervous system, and the reproductive system, among other parts of your body.
How does physical therapy work?
Physical therapy employs several approaches that help your body restore or improve its functions. How physical therapy works for your case depends on your concern and the symptoms that you experience.
For instance, if you are experiencing pain due to joint stiffness, your physical therapist may help you stretch your muscles to relieve pressure in the area of concern. Similarly, if you have swelling in your limbs due to lipedema, your physical therapist may employ targeted massage techniques or equipment to relieve it.
What types of techniques does physical therapy use?
Physical therapy uses a variety of techniques that include, but are not limited to:
- Stretching or moving your body
- Massaging your body with specialized methods
- Using exposure to heat or cold in targeted ways
- Applying non-hazardous electric currents to the area of concern
- Utilizing ultrasound to interact with your treatment area
Due to the various approaches used in physical therapy, it’s crucial that your physical therapist use those techniques with the highest potential for working for you.
By documenting your concerns in a note-taking app before your physical therapy consultation, you can ensure that you discuss your goals with your physical therapist to get a personalized treatment plan.
