Reclaiming your mobility and independence after a physical injury or impairment often involves a comprehensive approach. This may include medical treatments, adaptive strategies, emotional support, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Let’s explore the most important component of this comprehensive approach: physical therapy and how it helps regain mobility and independence after an injury, impairment, and surgery.
Physical Therapy: What is It and How It Helps?
Physical therapy is a specialized branch of healthcare that focuses on reducing pain, restoring physical function, and improving the overall quality of life of individuals recovering from injuries, impairments, or surgeries. It is a personalized approach that addresses a comprehensive range of conditions affecting mobility and functionality.
A physical therapist performs a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s needs and goals, which may include physical exams and imaging tests. Based on the results of diagnostic imaging tests and initial assessment, they develop a physical therapy plan that may consist of exercises and treatments to address your specific needs.
Most physical therapy programs to restore mobility and independence involve a combination of the following:
- Strengthening exercises, which help to build muscle strength and endurance.
- Range of motion exercises, which improve your flexibility and range of motion.
- Balance exercisesthat improve your balance and coordination.
- Manual therapyinvolves hands-on techniques to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, and reduce pain.
- Functional exercisesallow individuals to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing,dressing, and walking independently.
- Physical therapists teach individuals how to perform exercises at home and how to make a home safe for their needs.
A physical therapy program works in many ways to help individuals regain mobility and independence. Here are some of the most common ways.
Pain Management
Pain associated with an injury, surgery, or other medical condition can keep a person from moving around easily and independently. Physical therapists can employ various techniques to alleviate pain, including specialized exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like heat and cold therapy.
Muscle Strengthening
Physical therapy programs often involve tailored strengthening exercises designed to strengthen muscles that are atrophied or weak due to injury, surgery, or medical conditions. Stronger muscles help individuals support their own weight and move around more easily.
Range of Motion and Flexibility Improvement
Physical therapists offer a range of motion exercises aimed at enhancing the flexibility and mobility of the joint. Physical therapy helps a person perform daily activities and move easily and comfortably by maintaining or regaining a healthy range of motion.
Balance and Coordination Training
Physical therapy programs are also focused on improving balance and coordination to avoid falls and fall-related injuries.
Education on the Use of Assisted Devices
Anyone with difficulty walking or moving around and needing assistive devices can benefit from a physical therapy program.A physical therapist can teach an individual how to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs or walkers to move around easily.
Physical Therapy in Greater Cleveland
If you have a musculoskeletal issue impairing your mobility and independence and need to see an orthopedist for a comprehensive evaluation, contact Orthopaedic Associates today to schedule a consultation with our highly trained and experienced orthopedic doctor. Our orthopedic doctor will perform a medical evaluation and talk to you about various types of treatments that can address your problem. Our orthopedic specialist also recommends physical therapy as a part of a nonsurgical orthopedic treatment plan.
If you would like to know more about how physical therapy may help you or want to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, call our friendly team today at (440) 892-1440 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.