What is Physical Therapy, and Why is it Important? – Urgent care of Kansas

Returning to our routine can be challenging when we experience an injury, surgery, or illness. Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that can help people recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall mobility and quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore what physical therapy is, why it is essential, what to expect during a physical therapy session, the benefits of physical therapy, and the difference between physiotherapy and physical therapy.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physiotherapy is a health specialty that assesses, diagnoses, and treats movement disorders. It is a non-invasive treatment option that can help people of all ages with musculoskeletal injuries, dementia, cardiopulmonary conditions, and sports injuries.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders. They use various techniques to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses, improve mobility and range of motion, and reduce pain and discomfort.

What Is Physical Therapy Important?

Physical therapy is essential because it can help people recover from injuries and illnesses without surgery or medication. It can also help people manage chronic conditions and prevent further injuries or disabilities. Let’s discuss some benefits and why it’s important:

• Improves Mobility and Range of Motion: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and range of motion in people with injuries or conditions that affect their ability to move. Through exercise, stretching, and other techniques, physical therapists can help their patients regain strength and flexibility, allowing them to perform daily activities quickly. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease recommends physical therapy or fitting for severe sports injuries.
• Reduces Aches and Pains: Physical therapy can help reduce aches and pains in people with muscle injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis Foundation states physical therapy can improve mobility, increase strength, and maintain fitness.

Physical therapists may use massage, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation to help relieve pain and promote healing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends physical therapy instead of opioids for pain management.

• Helps Manage Chronic & Neurological Conditions: Physical therapy can help people manage chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Physical therapy can alleviate common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and respiratory function, while improving balance, coordination, flexibility, and aerobic endurance, per the National MS Society.
• Prevents Disability: Physical therapy can help people with chronic conditions or injuries prevent further injury or disability. Physical therapists can help patients learn proper techniques in movement and exercise, reducing the risk of further injury or disability.

What to Expect in Physical Therapy?

If you have never been to physical therapy, you may wonder what to expect during your first visit. Here is a brief overview of what typically happens during a physical therapy session:

• Evaluation: During your first visit, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and assess your mobility, range of motion, strength, and flexibility. They will ask you about your medical history, current symptoms, and any medications you are taking.
• Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. This plan may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and other techniques to help improve your mobility and reduce pain and discomfort.
• Follow-up Visits: You will typically have follow-up visits with your physical therapist to monitor your overall progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. These visits may include additional exercises and techniques to help you improve your mobility and overall health.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy offers many benefits for people of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some of the key benefits of physical therapy:

• Better Quality of Life: It can improve a patient’s quality of life by increasing their independence, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and helping them achieve their goals for daily activities.
• Non-invasive Treatment: It’s also a non-invasive treatment option to help people recover from injuries and illnesses without needing surgery or medication.
• Cost-effective: It is a cost-effective treatment option that can help reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for hospitalization, medication, and surgery.
• Personalized Care: It provides personalized care for each patient’s needs, allowing for a more effective and efficient recovery.

Physical Therapists Near Me

Finding a qualified and experienced physical therapist near you is essential if you need physical therapy. You can start by requesting referrals from your doctor, friends, or family.
You can also search for physical therapists near you online, using search terms such as “physical therapy near me” or “physical therapists in [your city or state].”
When choosing a physical therapist, look for someone licensed, experienced, and with a good reputation in the community. You should also consider the location and availability of the physical therapy clinic and the cost of treatment.

How Long is a Physical Therapy Session?

The length of a physical therapy session can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the type of treatment being provided. A typical physical therapy session may last 30 minutes to an hour.
During your first visit, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will also estimate how many sessions you need and how long each session will be.

Bottom Line

Physical therapy can help people of all ages recover from injuries and illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and improve their overall mobility, physical function, and quality of life.
Getting started with physical therapy is easy. You can ask your doctor or healthcare provider for a referral or check if you can self-refer with your insurance plan.
When you start your physical therapy sessions, don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your feedback. It’s important to let your therapist know if something’s not working or you’re experiencing discomfort. Plus, sticking to your treatment plan and doing the recommended exercises between sessions is crucial to achieving the best results.
At Urgent Care of Kansas, we offer physical therapy services to help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve their health and well-being. Take the first step today and schedule an appointment with us. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it.