6 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Your Health & Wellbeing

Apr20th 2021

Have you noticed a decline in your overall physical health lately? This is to be expected as you age. Did you know though, that a person’s physical health has a direct impact on their mood? People with very active lifestyles tend to be happier and live much longer, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may also experience more muscle gain and weight loss as well. On paper it might seem pretty simple to become more active, however, increasing your level of physical activity can be quite difficult if you’re doing it alone.

If you want to learn how to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle, visiting a physical therapist is a great first step! We’ve listed six ways that physical therapy can help improve your overall health and wellbeing; contact Houghton Physical Therapy today to learn more!

Physical therapy reduces the need for surgery and opioids.

The biggest benefit to your health from seeing a physical therapist is derived from its safe, noninvasive nature. Since physical therapy does not involve medications or surgery, you are less likely to develop subsequent infections, complications or side effects.

According to ChoosePT, “Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists treat pain through movement, hands-on care, and patient education, resulting in positive side effects like improved mobility, independence, and wellness.” Ultimately, therapy presents a safer alternative to opioid and surgical treatment options, both of which can set you up for long term pain conditions.

Physical therapy can treat chronic and acute pain.

Physical therapy also improves management of chronic and stress-induced pain. Your physical therapist can not only diagnose your condition and treat your symptoms, but they can also find the true underlying source of your pain. From there, he or she will teach you ways to manage it to make sure it doesn’t continue to be an issue in the future.

ChoosePT states that moving more coincides with a decrease of up to 28% in a person’s perception of pain. More importantly, people that receive an education about their pain and its impacts, as well as how physical therapy treats and relieves pain, were more likely to experience less pain with treatment.

Physical therapy lowers your risk of cardiovascular issues or other injuries.

Did you know that the strengthening of joints and muscles in therapy may also reduce risk for injury in routine activities? Being inactive for long periods can make our muscles weak.If your muscles are strong, they can recover faster, thus reducing the likelihood of injury from repetitive stress. Maintaining an active lifestyle also provides protection against major health problems, such as stroke and heart attack.

Physical therapy can give you more energy.

It doesn’t take an expert to explain to you that the more you sit around doing nothing, the less you’ll feel like getting up and moving around. Seeing a physical therapist and getting into a habit of incorporating exercise into your daily routine can result in improved energy levels. Physical therapy focuses on improving range of motion and activity, and according to Harvard Health Publishing, improved activity levels are associated with an increase in energy. Those with pain may also experience a higher level of mobility and energy with less pain as well!

Physical therapy decreases the risk of mental health issues.

Having more energy and being in a good mood go hand in hand! An improved attitude, mood and overall mental state are additional benefits of therapy. Continued participation in physical therapy and routine exercise boosts mental awareness and mood. This means you’ll have a much lower risk for developing anxiety and depression. In addition, those with a better mood were less likely to experience pain and inflammation in their joints!

Physical therapy can assist with the treatment of damaged tissues.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), found in a 2018 study that the application of physical therapy holds promise in treating tissue damage. While the study was specific to meniscal tears, it alludes to additional benefits for other tissue injuries. As a result, those with injuries or a history of injury may find improved stamina with continued exercise and therapy.

Contact Our Office Today

Physical therapy offers multiple health benefits that you just won’t find from taking medication. The risk of harmful side effects as a result of participating in a physical therapy program is considerably lower than the risks associated with medication treatment or surgeries.

Contact our office today to make an appointment with a licensed physical therapist. This is the first step to reaping maximum benefits when it comes to your health! So what are you waiting for? Call us today!

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