It has been estimated that about 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Over-the-counter pain medications may provide temporary pain relief but are generally not considered a good long-term solution. Participation in physical therapy can help patients wean off pain medications that can cause harmful side effects, help improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery, and reduce the risk of the problem recurring. Physical therapy also has several other benefits that can prove to be as effective as other courses of treatment, or even better.
Advantages of Physical Therapy:
- 1. Preventing injury: One of the important aspects of physical therapy is to analyze weaknesses in the musculoskeletal system and to devise a specific program to reduce the risk of injury in the future.
- 2. Controlling pain: Dealing with chronic orthopedic pain can be quite a frustrating experience. Different forms of physical therapy such as exercise, manual therapy, or a TENS unit can be used to reduce or eliminate pain.
- 3. Delaying surgery: Physical therapy can be used as the first line of treatment in many instances to improve joint health by stimulating muscle growth and improving bone density. This may help delay or avoid the need for more invasive treatments.
- 4. Improving mobility: Sustaining a serious injury to major weight bearing joints such as the hip and knee could significantly restrict mobility. Physical therapy exercises and devices can be prescribed to restore mobility, balance, and coordination.
- 5. Improves surgical outcomes: Physical therapy eases postsurgical pain and swelling, restores range of motion, and plays a big role in ensuring a positive surgical outcome.
- 6. Prevents opioid dependence: According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) physical therapy can help combat the growing opioid crisis as it offers a safer alternative for pain control.
- 7. Slows down joint degeneration: Some amount of joint degeneration and muscle atrophy is normal as part of the aging process. However, physical therapy can be used to significantly delay age-related wear and tear.
- 8. Improves overall health: Physical therapy can be used as part of the overall rehabilitation process when recovering from stroke and heart attack or managing diabetes and other general health issues.
- 9. Improving quality of life: By improving functional ability and optimizing health, physical therapy has a positive impact on mental and emotional aspects of health
- 10. Enhances sports performance: Whether you are a high-level athlete or a weekend warrior, physical therapy can help you perform better while participating in sports or any physical activities you enjoy.
Physical therapy is important, and it can change your life. For those recovering from sports injuries or surgery, even people suffering from chronic pain, the benefits of physical therapy can be enormous. We can all benefit from increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved confidence.If you have any questions about physical therapy or you want to know how it can help you recover from your injury or your pain, get in touch with us today call (561) 496-6622.
Dr. William P. Toole is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with a prestigious fellowship in sports medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr.Toole specializes in the most cutting-edge and minimally invasive techniques and technology for shoulder and knee replacements, including patient-specific implants and robotic-assisted joint replacements. Dr.Toole is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSM), and Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA). Our team of physicians provides an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical techniques, with proven traditional methods of treatments. The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to each and every, patient, each and every time.