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October is National Physical Therapy Month, so let’s take a closer look at physical therapy and the professionals who practice it. Physical therapy is aimed at the treatment and curing of certain physical ailments through exercise and stretching, while at the same time preventing the chances of any re-occurrences further on down the road. Its primary aim is to bring back the patient to their normal self, free from pain or suffering, so that they can then lead a normal life; performing all of their daily activities with minimal or no difficulty. Physical therapy deals with cardiopulmonary and neurological conditions as well.
Physical therapists undergo years of training and education which separates them from trainers and massage therapists. Their aim for the patient is to return balance and functional movement patterns to their lives inasmuch as is possible. Because of this training and education, physical therapists have become increasingly specialized, much as doctors have specialties. At Florida Movement Therapy Center, the therapists have advanced training in neurological and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and MS. Just as you would not seek out a podiatrist for a cardiac issue, your choice of a qualified physical therapist for your particular issue is equally as important.
Using a holistic approach which decreases the need for pharmaceutical and/or surgical intervention, physical therapy has become the conservative course of treatment of choice. Physical therapists are evidence-based health care professionals who offer cost-effective treatment that improve mobility and relieves pain, reduces the need for surgery and prescription drugs, and allows patients to participate in a recovery plan designed for their specific needs.
Improve Mobility & Motion
Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion. Pain-free movement is crucial to your quality of daily life, your ability to earn a living, your ability to pursue your favorite leisure activities, and so much more.
For example:
• Movement is essential to physical activity, which is necessary to prevent obesity, which is responsible for at least 18% of US adult deaths.
• Mobility is crucial for physical independence, and studies suggest that walking alone can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, hip fracture, and knee arthritis, among other benefits.
• Consistent movement is vital to maintaining a healthy balance system, which can help prevent costly falls.
Avoid Surgery and Prescription Drugs
While surgery and prescription drugs can be the best course of treatment for certain diagnoses, there is increasing evidence demonstrating that conservative treatments like physical therapy can be equally effective (and cheaper) for many conditions.
For example:
• Low back pain is routinely over-treated despite abundant evidence that physical therapy is a cost-effective treatment that often avoids advanced imaging scans like MRIs that increase the cost of care and the likelihood for surgery and injections.
• Physical therapy has proven as effective as surgery for meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disk disease, among other conditions.
Participate In Your Recovery
Physical therapists routinely work collaboratively with their patients. Treatment plans can be designed for the patient’s individual goals, challenges, and needs. Receiving treatment by a physical therapist is rarely a passive activity, and participating in your own recovery can be empowering. In many cases, patients develop an ongoing relationship with their physical therapist to maintain optimum health and movement abilities across the lifespan.
Physical therapy is generally required for those with permanent disabilities, those who have had a major injury or accident and are in a recuperation phase, or for those who are suffering from crippling diseases such as arthritis, lower back pain, or Parkinson’s disease. In certain instances, some diseases or medical conditions impair the patient so much that it becomes necessary to teach them how to function within the limitations of their condition, by building upon the residual capabilities left.
Since October is National Physical Therapy Month it is a great time to either get acquainted or get reacquainted with these important health care professionals. Since a doctor’s prescription is generally required for most treatment, you should probably start there. But you can always consult with a qualified physical therapist and always feel free to ask your doctor and/or therapist about the best course of treatment or facility for your rehabilitation. They should always work together to get you moving again!
Florida Movement Therapy
BOYNTON BEACH
561.733.5083
12040 South Jog Rd. 33437
BOCA RATON
561.883.7800
21065 Powerline Road 33433
