Heading to a physical therapy center offers improved recovery times for patients recovering from injuries or surgery, but daily physical therapy offers far more than just aid in recovery. More primary care physicians are referring patients for short-term PT at the first sign of problems, since PT has been proven to be an effective and conservative approach to managing many medical problems. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits physical therapy offers patients.

Benefit #1 – Reduce Pain Levels

Manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercises, including soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and joint mobilization treatments have the ability to help restore joint and muscle function, which can help reduce pain. Therapies offered at a physical therapy center also have the ability to prevent the return of pain.

Benefit #2 – May Help Prevent Surgical Intervention

In some cases, surgery is unavoidable, but daily physical therapy has the potential to prevent surgical intervention. It can aid in healing from injuries and eliminate pain, often eliminating the need for surgery. Even when patients need surgery, short-term PT can improve strength and get patients in better shape, making recovery easier post-surgery.

Benefit #3 – Improves Mobility

For patients having difficulty moving, standing, or walking, physical therapy can prove beneficial. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help restore mobility. For patients who require assistive devices, physical therapists can help properly fit these patients with crutches, canes, walkers, or other devices that can improve mobility and safety.

Benefit #4 – Improves Balance to Prevent Falls

Some patients have a high risk of falls, and when patients visit a physical therapy center, therapists will screen them for fall risk. Patients at a high risk for falls will be given exercises that help improve balance in a safe environment. Exercises that improve coordination and the use of assistive devices may also be used to make walking safer.

Benefit #5 – Manages Age-Related Problems

As patients grow older, they often develop osteoporosis, arthritis, or require a joint replacement. Physical therapists can help patients manage these conditions with a conservative approach, and they are experts are making recovery easier for aging patients who require joint replacement surgery.

Benefit #6 – Improved Vascular Capacity and Health

Daily physical therapy also offers the benefit of improved vascular capacity and health. For patients who already have heart disease, therapy may help with cardiac rehabilitation and may help prevent further problems.

Physical therapy has the ability to help with injury and surgery recovery, but it offers so much more. From pain relief to fall prevention, being treated at a physical therapy center can boost quality of life and improve patient outcomes.