Physical therapists train for several years to understand human anatomy and physiology. The therapistcan determine how your bones, joints, muscles and nerves work together to control movement and enable day-to-day activities. This insight allows the therapist to help restore or improve muscle strength, joint mobility and balance allowing individuals to live happy, productive lives.
Using a variety of procedures and modalities, expect the physical therapist to help with recovery from injury, relief of pain and restoration of functional movement.
Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, aquatic therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation and massage therapy are a few examples of the treatment options in the arsenal of your physical therapist.
Another major benefit of physical therapy is rehabilitation of patients over 65. As they get older, patients are more prone to osteoporosis and fractures. Any injury at this age can result in joint and muscle stiffness, along with a host of other complications. Expect the physical therapist to provide an exercise program (and walking aids, if needed) to enable the patient to regain functional independence.