Whether you’re suffering from an injury or tired, achy muscles, a physical therapist can create a personalized program to help you feel better and have more energy so you can enjoy your daily activities. Call us at Houghton PT to see how physical therapy can help you achieve better overall health and greater physical fitness. The following are several specific ways our physical therapists can put the spring back in your step!
1. Improve Balance
While balance generally decreases with age, there are also several health conditions that may affect your ability to maintain your balance. Maintaining greater balance can help you avoid trips and falls that can lead to serious injury. Good balance will not only help you avoid injury but can improve your ability to engage in and enjoy more strenuous activities. A physical therapist can provide you with several different types of exercises to improve your balance whether you’re standing, walking, or engaging in athletics.
2. Increase Flexibility
A physical therapy program can help increase your muscle and joint flexibility. A physical therapist can help you work through a variety of stretching techniques to improve your overall flexibility. The therapist may also use heat therapy to loosen tight muscles and tendons. A physical therapy program may also be able to improve flexibility by using different types of massage or even teaching you breathing techniques to increase relaxation.
3. Avoid Surgery
Surgery presents the possibility of blood clots, infection, and sometimes includes a lengthy recovering time. There are several conditions that may be avoided with the use of physical therapy. Sprains, strains, tendonitis, a dislocated shoulder, and back pain are a few ailments that a physical therapist can help you with. A physical therapy program can assist your body in the natural healing process. While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it’s almost always better to eliminate the need for an invasive procedure if the problem can be treated with physical therapy.
4. Recover Quickly
If you’ve already had surgery or have suffered from an injury, a physical therapy program can be created to assist in your recovery. A physical therapist can put together a rehabilitation program that specifically addresses your needs to help you recover as quickly as possible. Rehab may include strength and range of motion exercises. A trained physical therapist can guide your rehabilitation process so you progress quickly without overdoing it and help prevent further injury.
5. Reduce Injury
Not only can physical therapy help you recover more quickly from injuries, it can also help you reduce the chance of future injury. The therapist can teach you several different exercises you can do at home and before you engage in physical activity to help prevent injury. If you’re recovering from surgery or an amputation, a physical therapist can help you learn to walk and move in new ways that will help you stay active while reducing the chance of falls and injury.
6. Stay Active
Even if you’re already in good health and involved in a variety of activities, a physical therapist can help you enhance your performance in your chosen sport. Whether it’s tennis, golf, swimming, or jogging, a therapist can guide you in learning how to move correctly and safely while engaging in your particular sport. A physical therapist can put together a program to increase your strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Whether it’s preventative physical therapy, rehab, or therapy to improve your ability to walk and enjoy daily activities, a trained physical therapist can help you achieve your physical fitness goals. After an evaluation, your physical therapist can put together a treatment program that addresses your specific needs.
Contact Houghton PT today for a consultation with an experienced physical therapist!
