Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work tirelessly to help patients complete daily activities with as little pain as possible. By creating personalized treatment plans enveloping education, exercises, and stretches, PTs work with their patients to help them achieve optimal health so they can return to the activities they love, like running and walking. It has been proven time after time that physical activity improves heart and lung health, prevents chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, and boosts the immune system to fight illnesses like the common fold and the flu virus.
While the general public is aware of physical therapy, many are unaware of all of the benefits. Did you know physical therapy can help you improve your posture? Or, did you know it can help lower your stress levels? It’s true! The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognizes October as National Physical Therapy Month. Together, we celebrate PTs and PTAs everywhere and invite you to dive into all of the benefits physical therapy offers below.
The Physical Therapy Impact
In 2016, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) made the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) the required degree for all its physical therapist education programs. The CAPTE recognized the complexity of treating a patient, insisting a doctorate-level degree is necessary to provide proper treatment.
When experiencing an injury or pain, patients visit a doctor’s office before inquiring about physical therapy services. However, in order to get to the root of the pain, physical therapy should come before masking the pain with prescribed pain medication.
Did you know that patients can see Physical Therapists without a referral from a physician?
Seeing a physical therapist prior to your general physician ensures a treatment plan is created to get at the root cause of the pain; physical therapists will refer patients to physicians if they believe that is the correct route.
PTs can help your child catch up with other kids if he takes longer to crawl and walk. A few sessions of PT can help your grandmother safely navigate her stairs after having a stroke. Physical therapy can also help those with life-changing diagnoses, like spinal cord injury, return to their daily activities. The list goes on as PTs craft specialized treatment plans for each patient to help eliminate pain.
How PT Can Change Your Life
PTs have adapted throughout the years to fulfill the needs of the communities they serve. They can help patients improve their posture, reduce stress levels, enhance athletic performance, manage respiratory health and engage in preventative care. Let’s break down why a patient should see a PT first, rather than a physician.
- Posture correction: A physical therapist will help correct alignment issues that improve your appearance and prevent pain associated with poor posture.
- Stress reduction: A physical therapist will prescribe techniques that help alleviate stress and improve mental health.
- Enhances athletic performance: A physical therapist will help you build strength and endurance and improve your mechanics, leading to better performance and reduced risk of injury.
- Manages respiratory health: A physical therapist will help improve your breathing and strengthen your lungs with conditioning exercises. Physical therapy also helps clear fluid from the lungs.
- Preventative care: A physical therapist can assess muscle imbalances and reduce the risk of future injuries. Many patients have also mentioned how PT has helped with their weight management goals, thus reducing extra stress on their joints.
Nearly everyone has or will experience a condition that prevents them from moving as well as they used to. You don’t have to have excruciating back pain to visit a physical therapy clinic. You know your body best, so when something feels off, take the right step and call your local physical therapy clinic to get rid of the pain before it takes over your life.
