PHYSICAL THERAPY

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy helps people of all ages regain movement and function when medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries interfere with their daily lives. Through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, physical therapy restores mobility, reduces pain, improves strength, and promotes overall well-being — often without the need for surgery or long-term medication.

Physicians commonly recommend physical therapy as a first-line, conservative approach to managing many health concerns and enhancing long-term health outcomes.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

✅ Relieve or Eliminate Pain

Therapeutic exercises and manual techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or taping help reduce pain, restore muscle and joint function, and prevent recurring symptoms.

✅ Avoid Surgery

In many cases, physical therapy can help you recover without surgery. If surgery becomes necessary, pre-operative therapy can strengthen your body in preparation — leading to a faster, safer recovery and reducing overall healthcare costs.

✅ Improve Mobility and Movement

Difficulty with standing, walking, or moving? No matter your age, physical therapy can help restore these essential functions. Therapists use stretching and strengthening exercises, and can also assist with mobility aids such as canes, walkers, or orthotics. Your care plan is fully tailored to support your independence and safety.

✅ Recover After Stroke

Stroke often impacts movement, balance, and coordination. Physical therapy strengthens weakened muscles, improves gait and balance, and teaches techniques for safe transfers and movement around the home — enhancing your independence in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.

✅ Prevent or Recover from Sports Injuries

Whether you're healing from an injury or trying to prevent one, therapists will develop a sport-specific recovery or conditioning program. For example, runners may receive exercises to prevent stress fractures or tendonitis. Therapy ensures a safe return to your sport with reduced risk of reinjury.

✅ Enhance Balance and Prevent Falls

You’ll undergo a fall-risk assessment at the start of therapy. If needed, therapists provide balance training, coordination exercises, and instruction on assistive devices. For patients with vestibular dysfunction, specific maneuvers can eliminate symptoms of dizziness and vertigo, improving quality of life dramatically.

✅ Manage Diabetes and Circulation Disorders

Exercise plays a vital role in managing blood sugar levels. Physical therapists help patients with diabetic neuropathy protect their feet, improve circulation, and adopt healthy habits to prevent complications.

✅ Age-Related Support (Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Joint Replacements)

As we age, conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis can limit mobility. Therapists help manage these conservatively and also guide patients safely through post-operative recovery after joint replacements.

✅ Heart and Lung Rehabilitation

After a cardiac event or surgery, or when living with chronic respiratory conditions, physical therapy supports recovery through conditioning, breathing exercises, and endurance training — improving lung function and overall activity levels.

✅ Women’s Health and Specialized Conditions

Physical therapy can address unique concerns such as pregnancy-related pain, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Therapists also offer specialized care for:

Lymphedema
Fibromyalgia
Constipation
Bowel incontinence
Pelvic pain (including male pelvic health)
Post-breast cancer rehabilitation

PHYSICAL THERAPY