Physical therapy is a treatment option for many people that are in need of pain relief, functional improvement or disability prevention. Physical therapy is a rehabilitation technique that focuses on functional outcomes and long lasting results. It is not always about pain relief, although relieving the pain is often one of the main goals of PT. Pain is always a symptom of the physiological problem occurring in the body- so treating the pain does not fix the problem, it simply disguises it. Physical therapy often focuses on healing the damaged area which in turn brings long term pain relief and prevents the condition from recurring in the future.
Physical therapy combines the concepts of manual manipulation, muscular exercise and stretching, myofascial massage and modality use to successfully treat a wide variety of conditions. Some people who seek out the benefits of physical therapy do so to rehab from a variety of surgeries; others use physical therapy as a more conservative method of treating dysfunction (such as knee pain, shoulder pain, walking difficulties, etc.); still others use PT as a method of ‘pre-habilitation’ to prevent dormant conditions from affecting them in the future.
Many people have often said, “My condition doesn’t need PT, it’ll go away if I just deal with it.” This almost always leads to more pain, longer suffering and higher costs of rehabilitation. Physical therapy is useful for a wide variety of conditions from aches and pains to total joint replacements or strokes. Schedule a FREE ASSESSMENT with Peak Physical Therapy today to see how physical therapy will improve your quality of life.
The Science of Healing.
Patients and physicians are demanding the talents of physical therapists for conservative management of a wide variety of conditions. In many cases, patients are being sent to physical therapy instead of surgery.
Physical therapists help people with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures and dislocations; neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Parkinson's disease; connective tissue injuries such as burns or wounds; cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and workplace injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries.
Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.
Some physical therapists seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, such as orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, geriatric, sports physical therapy, or electrophysiological testing and measurement.
The Art of Caring.
When a physical therapist sees a patient for the first time, he or she examines that individual and develops a plan of care that promotes the ability to move, reduces pain, restores function, and prevents disability. The physical therapist and the patient then work side-by-side to make sure that the goals of the treatment plan are met.
Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of physical therapist treatment. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may "manipulate" a joint (that is, perform certain types of passive movements at the end of the patient's range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists may use other techniques such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice in addition to other treatments when appropriate.
Physical therapists will also work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
It is important to know that physical therapy can be provided only by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Testimonials
My doctor is so pleased with my progress on my right shoulder. I have worked with both ladies here at the Emmett facility and they have pushed me just enough to show great results. I can now lift my arm the virtual normal positions after only 9 weeks. They are always on time and give full attention to each of their patients! Their personalities are as great as their training/skills and are a delight to work with.
D. B. - Emmett Physical Therapy Clinic
