Physical therapy, also called physiotherapy, can improve movement, reduce pain and strengthen the body. Physical therapists are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education. They are problem solvers who are passionate about getting patients back on their feet.
The PT industry is rapidly growing. In addition to traditional treatment sessions, patients are increasingly turning to self-care at home through manual techniques like soft tissue manipulation, heat/cold therapy and electrical stimulation. These at-home treatments complement your PT session and help you recover faster.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are often a big part of a PT plan, as they can relieve tight muscles and improve joint mobility. In addition, a PT can help improve stability and balance to minimize stress on joints.
Recovery Redefined: How Physical Therapy Can Transform Your Well-being
Another common PT treatment is to use traction. This involves pulling or pushing the body against gravity, and it can help relieve pressure on the spine, tendons, and ligaments, improve blood flow, and speed up healing.
PTs are often the ones who explain pain to their patients, and this book is an excellent resource to have on hand. Written in a simple way, it covers the latest research on how pain functions in the brain and in our bodies. It includes information from neuroscience, neurophysiology, brain imaging and immunology, to name a few fields. It’s a must-read for any health professional who treats chronic pain patients.