When considering physical therapy, many people immediately think of the recovery treatment you must go through after an injury. However, the overall purpose of physical therapy has a much greater reach than that.
The purpose of physical therapy is to promote strength, function and mobility, in addition to preventing future injury. The goal is to bring patients to the point where they can lead a normal life, performing daily routines with minimal or no difficulty. Physical therapy primarily focuses on patients whose potential or actual impairment are related to the neuromusculoskeletal, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integument (or skin) systems.
Who Can Benefit?
· People with permanent disabilities
· People recovering from accidents or injury
· People suffering with debilitating diseases like arthritis and cerebral palsy
· People suffering with back pain
How Does It Help?
Through physical therapy, the patient will be taught to function to the best of his or her ability by building upon the residual capabilities that the patient still possesses. It is possible, with continued treatment, to regain a large amount of mobility of the joints, improve flexibility, and achieve better balance and coordination. In addition, patients may experience an overall improvement in fitness and health.
Developmental Delays in Children
Physical therapy is also beneficial for children who suffer from delays in development, as well as from joint or muscle weakness that can happen in the child’s early years. The physical therapist would likely use a combination of strength training, stretching, balance and coordination exercises, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation to improve upon the child’s strength and overcome physical weakness. The exact method of therapy would, of course, be established after meeting with and diagnosing the child’s individual condition.
For the Elderly
Geriatric physical therapy is also very common. It is focused on helping the elderly as well as those who are not coping well with the aging process. Again, the goal is to improve mobility and strength and better enable patients to live normal, happy lives.
Here at Central Florida Regional Hospital, we know that restoring your abilities and regaining strength are important parts of the recovery process after illness or surgery. If you would like more information on physical therapy and rehabilitation, visit us online or call 407-971-2774.
Sources:
The Benefits of Physical Therapy (Personal Power Training)
Personal Therapy Benefits and Types (Self Growth)
Related Posts:
The Role of Rehabilitation after a Stroke
Treating Back Pain: Is it Time for Surgery?
Categories: 
Tags: