There are many different fields of physical therapy which can assist with preventative care and health and wellness. Physical therapists near me specialize in different areas such as orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, health and wellness, and other types of rehab therapy. A physical therapist does more than treat injuries and disabilities that result from illness. Physical therapy also involves research, patient education, counseling of patients, and developing new ways of using physical therapy, as well as developing treatment plans which are personalized for each patient.
Physical injury and pain are common in all types of people, which is the main reason the physical therapy profession exists. However, physical therapists also take a sincere interest in the overall health and wellness of their patients, which means they are capable of providing preventative care. So, if you are wondering how physical therapy can help you with preventative care, here are a few reasons why you should seek physical therapy as early on as possible.
See a Physical Therapist Regularly
Just like you schedule a regular check-up with your physician as a preventative measure against illness, the same rule applies to physical therapy. You should schedule a regular check-up with a physical therapist to prevent pain and injury from becoming a chronic problem.
A physical therapist can evaluate the status of your health through a detailed evaluation of muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and other parts of your body. If the physical therapist finds a weakness, they will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This prevents the problem from getting worse and requiring further treatment. Many people do not think about the option of seeing a physical therapist regularly because they think this type of rehab therapy is only for disability and injury.
Prevent Surgical Treatment
If a physical therapist detects a problem early on, it can be treated with the proper rehabilitation plan and prevent you from having surgery as a result of allowing the problem to get worse. This is another reason why physical therapy is important for preventative care. Not only can it keep you mobile and healthy, but it can also save you the expense of surgery and medications down the road. Additionally, it can bypass further health problems that can transpire as the result of having surgery. If the procedure is not performed properly, the probability of having bigger complications following the surgery are quite good.
Maintain Physical Strength
As you age, you lose muscle mass, and if you do not engage in a maintenance program, you can end up with a host of mobility problems. A physical therapist can design a treatment plan to help keep you moving and to strengthen your muscles and bones to help you live a high quality of life well into the later years of your life. If you start the maintenance program before you begin to experience problems, you can head anything off before it has a chance to take hold of you.
Prevent High Costs of Medical Care
Most people do not seek help until the problem has become serious, and then they require medical care and treatment. Medical care costs have skyrocketed with more insurance companies making the patient pay more out of their pocket. If you head off the health issue before it requires serious attention such as surgery, you can save a lot of money while enjoying good physical health.
Health and Wellness
Physical therapy can help you to stick with a health and wellness program, which will allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life. Overall health and wellness is a preventative measure against further health issues down the road; however, most people do not follow it due to a fast-paced lifestyle. If you are having trouble staying with a regimen, a physical therapist can help provide a personalized plan for maintaining your health and diet. Healthy choices and regular exercise prevent a lot of health problems, regardless of your age.
Although you may not have considered physical therapy as preventative care, perhaps you should begin. As you can see, there is a lot that physical therapy can do for you and your health and at a much lower cost.
Carol Lane has been a health-and-wellness expert for over 18 years.
Lane served as a physical therapist in the Army for four years, ensuring the men and women fighting for our freedom remained fit and well. Lane has also spent seven years working in various rehab facilities and home health agencies helping children and adults take care of themselves.