Unlocking Your Potential with Physical Therapy
In the journey of life, our bodies endure various stressors and injuries, and over time, certain parts may start to show signs of wear and tear, leading to discomfort and pain. But what if we shared a secret with you—a way to prevent your body from breaking down and maintain its strength and optimal function?
Your Body’s Unsung Heroes: Physical Therapists
Physical therapists, armed with a wealth of knowledge, commit over eight years to earn a doctorate in all things musculoskeletal. This equips them uniquely to share insights about your body that you may not have come across previously. This revelation prompts the question: why isn’t there a comprehensive course in our school systems that delves beyond basic health studies? Until such a course becomes a reality, we have the remarkable resource of tapping into the expertise offered by physical therapists.
Empowering Yourself Through Physical Therapy
At Houghton Physical Therapy, we firmly believe that physical therapy is your gateway to self-empowerment and holistic well-being. Just as WebMD emphasizes, “Physical therapy is often your optimal choice for addressing long-term pain, also known as chronic pain, or healing from an injury. It empowers you to regain strength, improve movement, and enhance your overall well-being.”
Physical therapists, who invest more than eight years in acquiring a doctorate specializing in all things musculoskeletal, possess a unique ability to impart knowledge about your body that you may not have encountered elsewhere. This revelation naturally raises the question: why isn’t there an all-encompassing course within our education system that goes beyond the basics of health studies? Until such a course materializes, we can tap into the invaluable expertise provided by physical therapists.
Supporting Evidence:
The American Physical Therapy Association emphasizes the robust research-backed effectiveness of physical therapy:
- A Healthier Alternative to Medication: Physical therapy offers a healthier choice compared to relying solely on medication for pain management.
- A Natural Approach to Cortisone Shots: It provides a natural and complementary approach, sometimes used in conjunction with cortisone shots.
- A Preventative Measure Against Surgery: Physical therapy can often serve as a preventive measure, reducing the likelihood of surgery being necessary.
- Keeps You Active and in the Game: It promotes an active lifestyle, allowing individuals to stay engaged in their favorite activities and maintain their quality of life.
Some Statistics Supported in These Studies Include:
- Success for pre- and post-surgical rehab. Imagine this: a comprehensive review of 35 randomized controlled studies, encompassing nearly 3,000 patients, unveiled a remarkable discovery. For those embarking on the journey of total hip arthroplasty, the combination of preoperative exercise and education not only resulted in significant pain reduction but also ushered in shorter postoperative recovery times and a notable boost in overall function. This transformative approach promises a brighter and more comfortable future for patients undergoing hip surgery.
- Success for arthritis. Studies have shown that therapeutic exercise programs can reduce pain and improve physical function among individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
- Success for low back pain. A review of more than 60 randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise therapy for adults with low back pain found that such treatment can decrease pain, improve function, and help people return to work.
How Does Physical Therapy Treat Pain? Uncovering the Houghton Physical Therapy Approach
At Houghton Physical Therapy, our approach to pain management is not just about treating the symptoms; it’s about getting to the root cause of the issue. We don’t wear the “treater’s hat” – we don the “investigator’s hat.” Here’s how we tackle pain effectively:
- In-Depth Conversations: We start by engaging in extensive conversations with our patients. We delve into their daily habits, routines, job demands, exercise regimens, household chores, and even their posture. These discussions help us uncover potential contributing factors to their pain.
- Personalized Care: Our commitment to one-on-one care sets us apart. We analyze your form, test your strengths and weaknesses, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
- The Mindset Makeover: Beyond physical care, we inspire a positive mindset. We believe that a positive outlook is crucial for healing. We work with you to set new goals and rekindle ambitions that may have been brushed aside in the past.
Through this comprehensive approach, we not only treat pain but also eliminate its underlying causes. Our aim is to renew your drive and ambition, so you can live a life free from pain and full of vitality.
Don’t just take our word for it. Visit our Google business page, scroll through our 300+ reviews, and hear it from your peers in our community.
Here is one example:
Physical therapists also frequently use other modalities, in order to achieve pain relief and increased function for the patient.
Some Common Examples of PT Modalities Include:
- Manual Massage therapy. Manual therapy may also be performed, which is a gentle therapy that helps in reducing muscle spasms and allowing your body to relax.
- Soft tissue mobilization. Soft-tissue mobilization is also common, which is used to increase mobility by addressing fibrous areas of muscle tissue.
- Direct manipulation. Direct manipulation of the joints can be done to improve functioning and maintain proper alignment..
- Ultrasound. Ultrasound therapy sends sound waves to the affected area and blocks pain messages that are sent to the brain.
- Electric stimulation. Electric stimulation therapy sends an electric current to the affected area, in order to reduce pain.
- Dry Needling. Inserting needles into specific points within tight bands of muscle, often known as “trigger points” or “myofascial trigger points.
- More examples here.
A physical therapist may also educate you about sensory re-education for chronic pain. Even after an injury has healed, the nervous system may still send pain signals. Sensory re-education helps desensitize the nervous system and decrease sensitivity to the affected area.
Unveiling a New Perspective: Yearly Physical Therapy Check-Ups for Lifelong Wellness
Many of us invest in health insurance plans to support our healthcare needs. However, it’s common for us to only consider using it during emergencies or routine check-ups. But let’s ponder this for a moment: What if we approached our healthcare differently?
What if, just like our annual visits to the physician, we made a yearly appointment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy? Often, there are subtle, nagging issues that we tend to ignore, or perhaps something feels “off” with our ankle, back, neck, or knee. Instead of waiting until these discomforts escalate into borderline major injuries, why not get them checked proactively?
It’s about maintaining your health and preventing issues before they become serious. A yearly physical therapy check-up can be the key to staying healthy, vibrant, and strong, enabling you to live an optimal, active life. Don’t wait until pain becomes overwhelming; prioritize your well-being with regular physical therapy check-ups!
If you’ve been suffering from pain or a lack of function that’s limiting your life, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll help you get started on the right track toward living your life to the fullest! Contact us today!
Other Resources:
Click Here to Watch Todd Houghton’s YouTube Video “What is Physical Therapy?”
We Also Have A Downloadable FREE Report “51 Most Frequently Asked Questions Of Physical Therapy.” Click The Link to Get Your Free Copy.
That’s Not All! You Can Also Speak To One Of Our Physical Therapists On The Phone Or In The Clinic For Free. Click The Link To Talk To A PT At A Time That Works Best For You.
Sources:
https://www.moveforwardpt.com/benefits/default.aspx
https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Resources/Detail/7-myths-about-physical-therapy
