How Physical Therapy Can Help You

If you think physical therapy is just for sidelined athletes, think again. Physical therapy has been used to help patients rehab from back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome and recover from conditions, such as stroke and loss of bladder control, for many years.

In short, it is one of the most versatile therapies available.

Here, our pain management specialist, Dr. David Wu, takes a closer look at physical therapy and all the ways you can benefit from it. 

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy uses guided exercises, manual manipulations, and other modalities to improve your quality of life. Dr. Wu reviews your entire health history and evaluates your unique situation before recommending a program. 

Depending on your needs, your treatments may include:

• Exercises
• Stretches
• Massage
• Hot and cold therapy
• Ultrasound therapy

You may also benefit from assistive devices that help you move and stay balanced. Often, physical therapy includes an at-home program for you to do between sessions. 

How can it benefit you?

You may have heard from a friend or family member who’s been through physical therapy how effective it can be. But don’t just take their word for it. These are just a few of the many ways physical therapy can benefit you. 

Versatility

Got arthritis? Is your back killing you? Do you struggle with headaches? Physical therapy can increase range of motion, improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and ease your pain.

Medication-free pain relief

As the opioid crisis rages, many of our patients are adamant about finding pain-relief solutions that don’t require prescription medication. With physical therapy, you can get treatment for your pain without sacrificing your other health and wellness goals. By improving your circulation and triggering the release of endorphins (your body’s natural pain killers), physical therapy can often replace pain meds.

Noninvasive

In addition to avoiding prescriptions, you may also want to avoid surgery and other invasive procedures. Physical therapy offers a noninvasive way to relieve pain without resorting to the scalpel. Even if you need surgery eventually, physical therapy may help you delay it. 

Injury recovery

No matter how fit you are, injury is never more than one wrong move away. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you recover from a wide range of injuries, including:

• Fractures
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis

By focusing on improving strength, flexibility, and circulation, physical therapy provides quicker and longer-lasting recovery from injury. 

Improved mobility and functionality

Physical therapy can improve your mobility and functionality in multiple ways. In addition to relieving pain, which allows you to move more freely, physical therapy focuses on strengthening and training your body to perform activities. 

Our team also works with you to make sure you are performing movements correctly, whether that means adjusting your golf swing or changing the way your heel and toes strike the ground when you walk. 

Compatible with other treatments

Because it’s noninvasive and virtually zero-risk, physical therapy pairs flawlessly with other treatments Dr. Wu may prescribe, which means you can address your pain from more than one angle. 

Enhanced performance

Physical therapy doesn’t just have to be a response to pain. Many athletes and individuals with active lifestyles reap the benefits of physical therapy as a preventive measure and use it to become faster, stronger, and more agile.

Want to see if physical therapy is right for you? You can make an appointment online or over the phone at our Torrance, California, office today.