Some patients obtain pain care through chiropractic adjustments. Others seek out massage therapy. Physical therapists specifically use different techniques to restore your normal motion and provide you with solutions for durable relief of pain. They give you valuable patient education about how to identify dysfunctional health issues when they happen to you and patient advice about improving your overall health. They suggest exercises like walking and aquatic water programs. They sometimes give you nutritional tips too.

Physical Therapy's Treatment Approach

While obtaining a massage is a good and relaxing feeling, it is a somewhat passive activity. On the other hand, a physical therapist works with you toward a goal of bettering your overall body function. Since the science of physical therapy is designed to ensure that your body moves in the way it should, it stands to reason that movement defines the goals for the outcome. So physical therapy becomes a lifetime investment for you.

How Many Sessions Must You Have?

There is always one question that patients want answered during their first evaluation session. You are eager to know how many sessions you'll have to undergo. The pragmatic answer is that you won't know right away, because the severity of your issues influences how long your treatment program will last. If high levels of pain caused you to choose physical therapy, consistency in attending your scheduled sessions as well as doing your home exercises that are designed for you will make a difference in how many sessions you'll need to get better.

Some Expectations After Your Program Begins

Communication will help you to make progress through all your exercises. Nonetheless, you can expect to experience some change after a few sessions. More significant differences in your progress usually happen in the first two weeks. Even more pain relief results occur within a period of about 10 to 12 sessions.

Why Undergo Physical Therapy Instead Of Surgery?

There are helpful reasons why you should consider having physical therapy before undergoing surgery. You can benefit from stretches and other physical therapy exercises that will get you healthy again. However, should your condition not respond to therapy, and surgery is indicated, your physical therapist can refer you to a surgeon or recommend you to another appropriate physician.

Physical Therapy Before And After Surgery Roles

Even when surgery is the answer to your medical condition, your physical therapist has a role to play in getting your body stronger as you prepare for surgery. This professional can also help you to better your movement before the surgical procedure occurs. That kind of preparation ultimately contributes to your recovery following surgery. Your surgeon may even refer you back to your physical therapist for post-operative physical therapy treatments. This aids your complete recovery surgically and physically.