What do you need to know about physical therapy professionals? If you’re an active person who enjoys physical activities to keep your body moving and blood circulating, you may have suffered injuries. It’s common to tear a muscle or twist your leg while exercising, and you might be familiar with the discomfort and pain that comes with such injuries.

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Normally, people who endure such pain tend to ignore it, and sometimes the pain just fades away. But what if the pain doesn’t go away and gets worse? Well, there’s nothing to worry about because you can book an appointment and visit your physical therapist.

Continue reading on as we’ll discuss why you should consider visiting a physical therapist and what do they do to help you.

Who Are Physical Therapists?

Basically, physical therapists are movement experts who help people by prescribing certain exercises and educating them on how to take care of themselves physically. A physical therapist helps people achieve their fitness goals and lead active lives.

They are professionals who help people of all ages who might have severe injuries and chronic conditions. These professionals go through various educational and practical examinations to become therapists. It allows them to assist people with their injuries and maximize their quality of life.

Note that physical therapists cannot practice if they don’t have a graduate degree from an accredited academic program. They must earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree and pass a state licensure exam. The DPT programs take up to three years to complete.

During this time, physical therapists learn about various aspects in areas including biology, physiology, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, exercise physiology, neuroscience, etc.   This helps therapists create a better understanding of the field.

What Do Physical Therapists Do

They aim to prevent people from major surgeries, prescription drugs, and avoid unhealthy habits. Physical therapists help patients move, manage, or reduce pain, prevent disability, and restore function.

Once they examine the patients, physical therapists develop a treatment plan to improve the patient’s ability to move. Other than this, their treatments also prevent and manage certain pain that occurs due to movement.

Physical therapists not only work to help people with disabilities or health conditions. If you’re someone who wants to live a healthy life and avoid physical problems, physical therapists will guide you accordingly.

Consulting a physical therapist to manage and reduce pain can have a good impact on your life. They help many patients with their fitness goals and maintain an active lifestyle.

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When Should You Consider Visiting One?

One of the most common reasons why people consider visiting a physical therapist is for rehabilitation. If you’ve had microdiscectomy or ACL reconstruction, you will receive instructions from your surgeon to visit a physical therapist. The PT will focus on getting you back to doing the things you love as soon as possible.

Another common reason people should and do visit a PT is because of chronic pain or injury. It’s important that you understand what your body is telling you. If you feel a discomforting pain, which could be due to some physical activity, you need to visit a PT to confirm the pain source and whether there is any need for treatment.

However, you don’t have to have a severe injury or critical problem to consult physical therapists. Even if you’re looking to adopt a healthy lifestyle or have ambitions to improve your physical health, you can visit a physical therapist.

What Happens If You Don’t Visit A Physical Therapist?

Leaving any condition untreated would result in worsening it. Therefore, to avoid further complications, it is necessary that after surgery or when you feel any pain in your body, visit a physical therapist.

What Conditions Do Physical Therapy Professionals Treat?

They diagnose and treat many health conditions, including disabilities and injuries. We have mentioned a few of them down below.

• Back and Neck Pain
• Herniated Discs
• Sports Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Post Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Recovery
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Limited Range of Motion (ROM)
• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Overuse Injuries
• Repetitive Use Injuries
• Vertigo
• Headaches/TMD
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Benefits of Physical Therapy

There are several advantages that, once you know, you might consider consulting with a physical therapist soon. We have listed some of the benefits of physical therapy below.

• Physical therapy promotes safe exercises that enhance your mobility and give you a challenge that creates balance in your body.
• It is a great source that helps in easy and quick recovery from injuries, stroke, trauma, and paralysis.
• Helps strengthen the core of your body
• Prevents physical disabilities and chronic health conditions that a patient might have inherited
• Treats and manages pain that comes with age
• Treats conditions with safe techniques that may help a patient avoid surgery and medication
• Can improve physical activity, lifestyle, and mobility of someone without any health conditions

Physical Therapy Professionals: Conclusion

Now you may know the importance of physical therapy and visiting physical therapists. If you have any of the diseases or conditions mentioned above, or want to live a better lifestyle, it’s time for you to visit a physical therapist.

If you’re looking for more information or want to book an appointment, ActiveCare Physical Therapy © has the best physical therapists in New York. Contact us today for all PT needs, including manual therapies and sports-related rehabilitation.