How Can a Physical Therapist Help You?

If you’re experiencing pain when you walk or carry out everyday tasks, or if you have an illness that reduces your range of motion, it may be time to see a physical therapist. A physical therapist can often help you to move with greater ease and less pain. Over time, a physical therapist may even be able to help you restore your physical fitness and function.

A physical therapist can help you to:

• Carry out daily tasks.
• Move more easily.
• Get in and out of bed with less difficulty.
• Walk with less pain.
• Move up and down stairs better.
• Recover from some surgeries, such as knee and hip reconstruction.
• Reduce arthritis pain.
• Decrease pain and symptoms associated with illnesses, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Type II Diabetes.

What Types of Treatment Does a Physical Therapist Offer?

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, a physical therapist will use a series of techniques to help to reduce pain or swelling. These techniques can include:

Massage – the use of hands and a moisturizer or oil. Pressure is applied to the area that is affected in an effort to reduce pain, muscle spasms or tightness and to increase blood flow to the area.
Mobilization – a series of movements in which your physical therapist will twist, pull or push a joint that is causing pain. This method helps to increase flexibility and can loosen tight joints.
Manipulation – the use of hands or an instrument to apply varying levels of force at different speeds to a joint. This increases the joint’s flexibility.
In addition to these treatments, a physical therapist will suggest that you do a series of exercises. These exercises will include stretches to lengthen your muscles, core movements to strengthen and stabilize your body and weight lifting to improve your muscle condition. Your physical therapist may also suggest that you walk often: 6,000 steps or more is recommended.

How Can I Find a Physical Therapist?

If you think a physical therapist could help you manage your pain or improve a medical condition, contact Doctors United. We have several physical therapists who can help you.