You may think that physical therapy is only for those recovering from surgery or an injury. Indeed, physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery, but physical therapy improves daily life too.
Here are ways that PT can significantly improve your daily routine:
- Improves conditioning and promotes enjoyment of lifestyle, hobbies, and activities
- Enhances strength and flexibility
- Improves mobility
- Helps participants manage pain
- Provides stability and tools to prevent falls
Recently, The Therapy Network published a blog, Five Fun Ways to Exercise on the Beach. (LINK) The blog highlighted that many would like to participate in local sports, beach activities, or exercise routines but feel unprepared. So, the therapists at The Therapy Network decided to write a blog about how physical therapy improves daily life.
Physical Therapy Promotes Daily Lifestyle Enjoyment
Each day, we perform tasks that involve physical ability. Mobility, strength, or balance issues may impede our ability to participate in these tasks. From yard work to hobbies or even a stroll around the neighborhood with friends, our physical ability and strength are tested.
The good news is that you may be back to enjoying daily activities faster than you imagine.
If you find daily tasks or hobbies challenging, schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. Often, a therapist can create a custom plan to build mobility and strength.
**Did You Know?? You do NOT need a referral from your physician to begin your physical therapy journey. The State of Virginia allows patients to begin physical therapy using Direct Access, meaning you can come directly to The Therapy Network and be evaluated by one of our highly-trained licensed physical therapists.
PT Enhances Strength and Flexibility
Physical therapy can help you build strength and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities such as lifting, reaching, and bending. A physical therapist will assess your strength and flexibility to develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and stretches to improve function.
Here are a few examples:
- If you have trouble reaching overhead, your physical therapist may prescribe exercises to improve your shoulder mobility and strength.
- If you find yardwork difficult, a therapist will create a plan that improves balance, strength, and flexibility through core muscle exercises.
Improve Mobility with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you improve mobility and perform daily activities efficiently. A therapist will assess your range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination to identify any areas of dysfunction. They will then design an individualized treatment plan that includes exercises, stretches, and other techniques to improve mobility.
For example, if you have trouble standing up from a chair or walking upstairs, your physical therapist may prescribe exercises that focus on strengthening your legs and core muscles. They may also use manual therapy or additional techniques to improve muscle function.
Physical Therapy Helps You Manage Pain
Is chronic pain keeping you from enjoying hobbies or daily activities? Physical therapy improves everyday life by addressing the underlying cause of pain.
Physical therapy can effectively manage pain, whether from an injury or a chronic condition. By addressing the underlying cause of your pain, physical therapy can help reduce pain levels and improve function. A physical therapist will assess your pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Can Physical Therapy Prevent Falls?
Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. More than one out of four older people falls yearly, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. (Stats from the CDC—Read the story here)
Falls are a significant concern for older adults and can lead to severe injury or disability. Physical therapy can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance, coordination, and strength. A physical therapist will assess your risk of falling and develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and other techniques to improve your balance and stability. They may also recommend assistive devices such as canes or walkers to help you navigate your environment safely.
Have you recently fallen in your home, yard, or your community? You do not need a doctor’s referral to visit The Therapy Network in Virginia.
The Therapy Network in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk
If you feel that your daily life has been impacted by pain, mobility issues, or falls, it is time to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. The Therapy Network has six locations on the Southside of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Physical therapy improves daily life, and should be a lifetime activity for your health. Call or set-up an appointment and find out how Physical can improve your life.