Most people know physical therapists as the professionals who help you rehab after an injury. But what do physical therapists actually treat? It turns out they can help with a lot more than just recovering from surgery or an accident. This blog post will outline some of the most common conditions that physical therapy can help recover from. Keep reading!
1. Parkinson’s Disease
If you have Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy may offer relief. The condition is a neurological disorder that results in chronic motor limitations and tremors. However, it can also be treated through strength exercises with the help of your physician or personal trainer!
2. Headaches
Headaches are a very common issue that many people deal with. And not just the pain that occurs in the head; it includes cluster, tension-type pain, and migraines.
Physical therapy can help alleviate the pain caused by these conditions through different treatments such as hot water bag treatment, strengthening upper back muscles with exercises explicitly designed towards your problem area(s ), and modifying workspaces, so they’re more comfortable.
3. Cancer
PTs play an important role during the recovery period for those who have gone through major surgeries alongside interventions like chemotherapy and radiation therapy which also includes providing physical rehabilitation services, including strengthening exercises tailored specifically towards each patient’s needs
They work with them throughout the process and can even relieve side effects such as fatigue or regaining strength in one area of the body.
4. Sexual Dysfunction and Pelvic Issues
A physical therapist can help treat issues associated with the pelvic floor, including sexual dysfunction and pain that may have started during pregnancy or childbirth. Incorporating targeted exercises for the muscles of an individual’s lower back and stretches to increase flexibility are effective treatments that could help alleviate your discomfort quickly.
5. Burns
Patients suffering from severe burns and splinting can also benefit from physical therapy. They need it to regenerate healthy soft tissues such as muscles or tendons if they want their skin grafts not only to survive but also to heal properly.
Electrical stimulation is another tool used for this purpose. It helps mobilize joints without causing pain.
6. Vertigo
From physical therapy comes a wide range of treatments for all sorts of ailments. One such condition is vertigo. Vertigo is an abrupt spinning sensation that occurs when you move your head quickly. It can lead to dangerous falls and presents as dizziness or lightheadedness in most patients. This type of therapy can help with balance issues and therefore help treat this condition.
7. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including muscle weakening or paralysis. One major challenge for professionals working with these patients concerns balance. They may need to help their patients gain the best possible control over spastic muscle movements to maintain stability. This is where physical therapy comes in.
Physical therapists can employ balance exercises to help prevent falls caused by numbness in addition to gait training in tandem with mobility assistance devices like walkers.
8. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that affects movement and posture. It can be caused by brain damage, infection or abnormal brain development, damage or infection before, during, or after childbirth.
Patients can work with cerebral palsy patients to improve movement, strengthen muscles, and therefore manage pain while minimizing joint problems. This can be done with adaptive physical activities like bowling, cycling, and swimming.
Conclusion
Physical therapists are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical disabilities. They help people improve their mobility, relieve pain, recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries from happening again, and increase the chances of a full recovery for patients who’ve undergone surgery. This blog post has shown you eight conditions that physical therapists treat, but there’s so much these professionals can help with.