While physical therapists are known by numerous titles around the world, such as physiotherapists or kinesiologists, they are all part of the same profession and perform similar tasks.
Physical therapy includes services that helps develop and maintain a person’s maximum ability and movement for later years. People of all ages can benefit from physical therapy, especially those who have suffered an injury or wish to protect themselves from diseases and disorders.
Physical therapy improves one’s quality of life, boosting emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing. Physical therapists devote their time in the health sphere of intervention, rehabilitation and treatment.
Below are some benefits of physical therapy:
Physical therapists do not all fall under the same category and specialize in different fields. The following are some of the most common types of physical therapy:
Geriatric physical therapy focuses on a problem that affects an individual later on in life. The physical therapists include exercises that improve mobility caused by arthritis. These exercises help the patients be more active.
Orthopedic therapy is the most common type of therapy that aims to treat injuries related to muscles, tissues or bones.
People who have suffered from an injury or are recovering from a surgery or a chronic pain opt for this therapy. It involves exercises to increase mobility and promote range of motion to relieve pain.
After an event, such as a heart attack, patients require a cardiopulmonary physical therapist. The professional works to strengthen the heart through a number of exercises. These patients can return to a normal lifestyle through proper treatment.
Decongestive physical therapy is designed for patients who suffer from edema or other conditions related to the lymph nodes. Fluids accumulate in certain parts of their bodies, such as the arms and legs, which can be painful. Therapists offer these patients a number of treatments and exercises to drain the lymph nodes and minimize buildup of fluids.
Children have different needs as compared to adults. Pediatric therapists specialize in treating children of all ages who may have problems related to mobility, strength or coordination.
Children who have sustained an injury or are suffering from a disorder can benefit from pediatric therapy.
Vestibular physical therapy caters to the needs of people who have sustained damage in their inner ear. These disorders may affect a person’s balance and coordination. The therapists use a number of manual techniques to treat patients, and help increase mobility and coordination.
Want to reap the benefits of physical therapy at home? Invest in these topnotch physical therapy home equipment:
Shoulder pulleys are used for exercising at home. Shoulder pulley exercises effectively increase range of motion and improve mobility. The pulleys can be used to perform multiple exercises at home for shoulder rehabilitation.
Foam rollers are a valuable piece of equipment and play an integral role in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. These rollers can be used for a variety of purposes, resulting in a number of positive effects. Foam rolling targets specific muscles and areas in the body that require care and attention.
These exercises promote mobility and provide relief to tight muscles.
The use of backseat cushions while performing exercises reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. The cushions help you maintain a proper posture, providing comfort especially if you suffer from disorders or injuries related to the tailbone and lower back. An ergonomic solution, such as Cush Comfort’s cushion eliminates pressure points and distributes support evenly, providing relief and comfort.
According to Live Strong, these affordable and versatile products are increasingly being used by physical therapists and patients who wish to seek treatment at home. Resistance exercises increases range of motion and promotes stronger and healthier muscles.
Additionally, by attaching a resistance band to the ankles, you can get hamstring training, which prevents muscular imbalance and reduces the risk of injuries in the future.
There are several reasons why people opt for physical therapy. Over time, physical therapy increases range of motion, promotes mobility, increases blood flow and eliminates the need for surgeries and prescription drugs for treatment. When opting for treatment, the therapist will personally devise an exercise regime to suit your needs. This improves health and promotes better wellbeing.