If you have problems with pain or mobility, or if you are in recovery from injury or surgery, your treatment or rehabilitation program likely includes physical therapy. A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed medical professional who can help restore mobility, proper physical function, and a normal range of motion.
A good surgeon always recommends the least-invasive methods first before recommending surgery. Physicians of all kinds are taught to employ treatments that require the least amount of healing and recovery if possible. Depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend that you try physical therapy to treat your pain or disability.
A physical therapist assists patients in getting back to normal, preventing reoccurrence of an injury, and ultimately improving a patient’s overall health and well-being. Physical therapy is a conservative, noninvasive, and very effective approach to treating a wide range of physical problems.
The benefits of physical therapy are many, and here are just a few of them:
Pain Relief
Perhaps the biggest benefit of physical therapy is providing natural relief from pain or completely eliminating it. Physical therapy can also help a patient to reduce their reliance on anti-inflammatories and pain medication.
Physical therapy exercises can relieve pain by improving blood flow and activating your body’s natural pain-relieving capabilities. Continuation of physical therapy exercises at home can also help prevent pain from returning.
Prevention of Sports Injuries
Physical therapists know the inherent risks that come with playing sports, and each sport has specific risks. What they can do is teach you how to avoid injury or re-injury, and they can create a recovery program so that you can return to your sport as quickly and safely as possible.
Improvement of Function and Mobility
If your hands, shoulders, knees, or feet constantly hurt, you could develop issues with mobility and functionality. Stretching and strengthening physical therapy exercises can help restore the usefulness of your joint and reduce the pain you are experiencing.
A physical therapist can also provide or recommend assistive devices while you are in recovery or rehabilitation. Splints, crutches, canes, walkers, and orthotics are just some of the devices physical therapists can recommend and show you how to use to your benefit.
A physical therapist who has training in occupational therapy can also guide you in carrying out your work responsibilities or chores – whatever is important to accomplish in your daily life – so that you can safely perform them on your own. For example, physical therapists can guide patients with carpal tunnel syndrome on how to safely perform their daily tasks without further injuring their hand and wrist. Your doctor will recommend a particular type of PT specialist as necessary.
Delaying or Avoiding Surgery
Such as in the case of arthritis, physical therapy may be able to help you relieve pain so that you can prevent further progression of the disease – which could otherwise cause more damage to your bones and joints. In effect, physical therapy can delay the need for surgery or completely avoid it. This also goes for patients with sports-related injuries.
Treating Neck and Back Pain in Colorado Springs
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we recommend that our patients try the most noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments first if possible. We will evaluate your particular condition and determine what might work to alleviate your pain or disability issues – and work from there.
For a consultation, contact our team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery today by calling us at (303) 790-1800 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to providing you the exceptional care that you deserve.
