How Can Physical Therapy Help Me?

The question may be a surprise – “How can physical therapy help?” Physical therapy (PT) isn’t just for patients with injuries or recent surgeries. It’s also for people seeking to improve their health and well-being. PT can help people of all ages who have medical conditions or physical limitations that hinder regular ability to move and function.

What is physical therapy?

To quote Merriam-Webster, the definition of physical therapy is:

Therapy for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities, assistive devices, and patient education and training.

Physical therapy can be an effective intervention for a variety of aches, pains, and conditions. Following are a few non-injury conditions that physical therapy treats:

• Fibromyalgia

• Carpal tunnel symptoms

• Back pain

• Rotator cuff dysfunction

• Osteoarthritis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Some types of headaches

• Fall prevention

Physical therapy may not be the first thought when it comes to a nagging headache, dull back pain, or fibromyalgia, but maybe it should be. Physical therapy isn’t just for pain or injury, but also encourages movement. PT can be used to improve our ability to enjoy the activities we love.