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Physical therapy (PT) is a versatile treatment approach
Physical therapy (PT) is a versatile treatment approach designed to address a wide range of conditions and injuries. Here are some of the conditions and injuries that can benefit from physical therapy:
Orthopedic conditions
This is perhaps the most common association with PT. It includes post-surgical rehabilitation, strains, sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and more. Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also benefit from PT.
Neurological disorders
Patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions can greatly benefit from PT to improve mobility, balance, and muscle strength.
Sports injuries
Athletes, whether amateur or professional, often require PT to recover from injuries like rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, or ACL tears. PT can help restore function and also provide guidance on injury prevention.
Pediatric conditions
Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida can benefit from physical therapy to enhance motor function and improve strength.
Cardiopulmonary conditions
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiac rehabilitation post-myocardial infarction (heart attack) can undergo PT to improve their endurance and functional independence.
Geriatric concerns
As people age, they may develop conditions like osteoporosis or face challenges like balance disorders and general deconditioning. PT can help in enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of falls.
Chronic pain
Chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain syndromes can be managed with physical therapy. PTs can teach patients exercises and techniques to manage and alleviate pain.
Vestibular and balance disorders
People with balance issues or conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can benefit from specialized vestibular physical therapy.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Conditions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic pain can be treated with specialized pelvic floor physical therapy.
Post-COVID rehabilitation
As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients recovering from the virus experienced lingering physical issues like reduced lung capacity and muscle weakness. Physical therapy became a key component of their recovery process.
No content on this website should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from a doctor or other certified clinician.
