National Physical Therapy Month is this October, and there is no better way to celebrate than by shining a light on the many benefits that can come out of seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapy aims to increase quality of life through strength building, flexibility, coordination and balance. While many believe that physical therapy is just for post-operative patients or the elderly, it is also effective for athletes, people with injuries, disabilities, and children. It can even be beneficial for those who are looking to become healthier and want to prevent any future problems.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy helps reduce pain and improve mobility. In some cases, physical therapy can be a great step for patients to take if they are looking to avoid surgery, injections, or simply looking to manage pain while improving flexibility. While it may take a couple of sessions, the benefits that physical therapy can provide are life changing regardless of the stage of life that you are in.
What Are The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Children?
The need of each child varies, but overall physical therapy helps children move and use their body in a healthier more effective way. Say for example your child suffered from an injury and was not able to put weight on their leg, this injury could benefit from sessions with a physical therapist who can help your child’s leg regain strength, ease pain and more.
Exercises that physical therapists provide can help treat a series of different conditions that children may face such as: muscle diseases, birth defects, genetic disorders, developmental delays, post-surgery rehabilitation, sports related injuries and more.
What Are The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Adults?
Physical therapists can help adults alleviate chronic pain, restore range of motion and it can be a great non-invasive, drug free approach to recovery. Physical therapy can also be seen as a great preventative measure for adults that helps maintain and promote overall health and wellness. Proper treatment with a physical therapist will help stretch the muscles, build body strength and increase flexibility which is vital to help minimize pain as aging occurs.
What Are The Benefits of Physical Therapy for The Elderly?
As the body ages and movement decreases, the body’s systems begin to break down. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), it may be time for your loved one to see a physical therapist when they are having difficulty walking, holding onto walls or someone else, or appearing to have difficulty standing.
Physical therapists help their patients regain balance and strength in order to reduce the risk of falling. Physical therapists not only help improve their patients’ physical abilities, but they provide lifelong education and advice to help their patients reduce injury risks.
JAG Physical Therapy is proud to serve as your trusted, in-network resource for physical and occupational therapy throughout NY, NJ, & PA. For more information or to make an appointment to meet with one of our licensed physical therapists please contact us here.