Do I Need Physical Therapy?

Many people wonder if they are a candidate for physical therapy, or if physical therapy can help their ailment. For physical therapists, however, this is an easy question to answer: Most people can benefit from physical therapy, whether their condition varies from a simple ankle sprain to a complex neurological disorder.

Physical therapist Dana Davis describes physical therapy as a conservative treatment method addressing the management, healing, and prevention of injuries and disabilities. I believe this to be very true. Physical therapy uses non-invasive and non-medical tools to help improve total body function. Physical therapists focus on relieving pain, promoting healing, restoring function and movement, and facilitation and adaptation associated with injury. Therapy also focuses on ergonomics or body mechanic training, fitness, and wellness. So, as you can see, physical therapy can play a role in most people’s lives.

A list of some of the most common reasons to seek physical therapy includes:

• Neck pain and low back pain
• Arthritis in one or multiple joints
• Fractures and other orthopedic conditions
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Problems with balance or mobility
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Pre- and post-surgical conditioning and strengthening
• Cancer recovery
• Fitness and wellness education including weight loss and prevention of osteoporosis
• Respiratory problems / poor cardiovascular endurance
• Knee, ankle and foot problems
• Shoulder, arm, hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder tendonitis
• Pre- and post-partum programs
• Neuro-rehabilitation, such as post-stroke and spinal cord or head injury
• Wound care such as diabetic wounds and non-healing traumatic or post-surgical wounds
• Common sprains and muscle strains
• Work-related injuries such as repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall accidents and other trauma
• Sports related injuries

If you are still confused whether you need physical therapy or not, discuss your options with your physician. They will be able to guide you in the right direction.