Why You Should Choose A Physical Therapist
Whether you have an injury, have a chronic condition, or were in an accident, a physical therapist can get you up, active, and mobile—minus the pain. Physical therapists (or PTs) see patients for many different reasons. While there are a variety of different types of treatments for physical ailments, seeing a PT has bountiful benefits.
Why should you consider physical therapy over other options? Take a look at the some of the most common reasons for seeing a PT.
Avoid Addiction
Opioid use is reaching an epidemic level. Painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin may quell the pain, but they can also lead to a serious addiction. In 2015 two million people in the U.S. had a painkiller-related substance abuse disorder, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
When it comes to treating your physical pain, a medical solution (such as prescription painkillers) may not be the best answer. What starts as following doctor's orders can turn into a dangerous addiction. Avoiding this possibility is safe, smart, and in some cases, necessary.
Choosing a PT over painkillers eliminates the addiction aspect of your physical recovery process. While therapy won't alleviate the pain immediately, like a painkiller prescription would, it will help to heal your body over time.
Return to Everyday Activities
You want to get back to your regular everyday life. But your body hurts. From back aches to post-surgery knee woes, getting back on your feet is absolutely important. A physical therapist won't just heal your pain and increase your range of motion. They can get you back into your everyday routine too.
The PT can work with other therapists, such as an occupation therapist, to help you to resume your normal daily tasks. This might mean mastering something simple such as walking up and down stairs or getting back to your job.
Consider Surgical Alternatives
Surgery comes with risks. And these may be risks that you don't want to take. In some cases, surgery is the best option — and the benefits far outweigh the associated risks. But surgery isn't always the right route for every patient.
Physical therapy may help you to avoid surgery, while still healing your body.
Physical therapy can provide the treatment that you need to overcome physical challenges, heal from injuries or get back to your daily routine. Keep in mind, your doctor (or medical team) needs to assess the situation and help you to make the best decision possible. Sometimes PT is an alternative to surgery, while other times it's better used as a surgical complement.
For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Hands-On Physical Therapy.
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