What Is The Use Of Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy makes sure that physical functioning of the body is maintained especially with regard to mobility, injuries and disease. It is an area of expertise that is learnt by professionals. A good physical therapist will be certified and found in many settings such as hospitals, private practice, research centres or fitness facilities.

A therapist who is not well trained can make injuries worse by giving improper advice. Therefore, one must always be careful in choosing a good therapist. A physical therapist not only uses physical exercises but also the use of any equipment to bring out the effects of optimum therapy. There are many uses of physical therapy that would be discussed here.

Physical Therapy To Heal From Injuries

The commonest reason that one would sort out a physical therapist would be for injuries. If it is a sports injury, specialised therapists called sports therapists can be sorted out. Injuries of the musculoskeletal system like fractures, dislocations or splints require the need for physical therapy to restore the joints and muscles back to normal. This can even prevent the need for invasive surgery.

It also helps to lessen the load on the joint by making the muscles around the joint stronger. Physical rehabilitation centres which are perfect for your health research can offer the perfect environment to make full recovery from injuries. These centres will not only have certified physical therapists but also specialised treatment modalities for rehabilitation. They are equipped with certified and good quality equipment that helps to do physical therapy better.

Physical Therapy In The Elderly

Common conditions that limit mobility and reduces the quality of life in the elderly are hip replacement surgery, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. These patients can also be in a lot of pain which further reduces the quality of their lives. Physical therapy can help with these conditions. Especially since it is too risky for the elderly to undergo surgery.

Furthermore, a stroke can leave patients with weakness and loss of independence due to restricted mobility. Physical therapy can help improve the strength of muscles and increase mobility and coordination restoring some function. Elderly patients also tend to fall due to problems with balance and sustain serious injuries. Physical therapy can help prevent these falls by improving balance and coordination in these patients.

Physical Therapy In Children

One of the commonest causes that physical therapy is sorted out in children would be for cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy by definition is a disorder of movement and posture. Children with the disease has a developmental delay and weakness of limbs. They can develop contractures, which are mal-alignment of joints, due to increased spasticity of muscles.

This would require surgery to correct them. But if proper physical therapy is given to reduce the spasticity, contractures can be avoided. These children have many other complications like seizures, incontinence and swallowing difficulties. They will also need speech therapy, occupational therapy and others. It is important to coordinate with the whole team to manage the child properly.