5 Things To Know About Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps patients restore their physical function. If your doctor has advised you to see a physical thfor your injury or condition, you might have some questions about it. Here are a few important things you should know about this treatment.

Physical Therapists Can Treat a Wide Range of Conditions

It turns out that physical therapy can treat much more than just sports injuries. Many people are surprised at how many conditions physical therapists can help with. For example, physical therapy can help cancer patients regain strength and reduce their fatigue. Physical therapy is also effective at treating Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, lymphedema, vertigo and burns.

The Massages Are Not Meant to Be Relaxing

Physical therapists often perform massages to treat sports injuries and other conditions. However, you should know that these are not the same type of massages you receive at a spa. They are designed to relieve tightness and inflammation, so you may feel more pressure during it.

Physical Therapist Hold Advanced Degrees

Gone are the days when physical therapists could practice with just a Bachelor's degree. These days, they are required to complete a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree before they can treat patients. They also have to pass a medical board exam before receiving their license.

Your First Physical Therapy Session Will Be Longer

While most physical therapy sessions will be approximately an hour long, expect your first session to be longer. Before your physical therapist can begin treating you, he or she first has to ask you questions about your medical history and conduct a physical examination. During the examination, your physical therapist may have you walk and run to assess your flexibility and strength.

You Have to Put in the Effort

To obtain optimal results from physical therapy, you have to be willing to put in the work. If your physical therapist wants you to perform exercises at home as part of your treatment, you should follow those orders. Your therapist, for example, may ask you to do straight leg raises or hamstring stretches. While doing the exercises can get tedious at times, they will help you with your recovery.

Now that you know a little bit more about physical therapy, you should schedule your first session with a reputable therapist today. He or she will assess your condition and create a treatment plan that suits your needs.