At some point in your life, you can benefit from seeing a licensed physical therapist (PT). Research shows that 79% of physical therapy patients experience a significant pain reduction after treatment. However, the question is, when is the right time to see one? The best time to see a PT is when you start feeling pain, stiffness, or weakness in your muscles or joints, which affects your daily activities. Some people may also benefit from annual physical therapy visits to make sure their bodies are in their optimal state and are not at risk for injuries.
In this blog post, we will be sharing the best reasons and situations that call for a visit to a physical therapist. Many people wait until the pain becomes unbearable, but you don’t have to wait for things to get worse before asking for help. Here’s when you should see a PT.
1. You feel stiffness or limited movement.
If you’re feeling stiff or having a harder time moving like you used to, it may be time to visit a physical therapy clinic. It could be as simple as turning your head, bending down to get something from the floor, reaching for an item on the top shelf while grocery shopping, or even just getting out of bed in the morning. When you are experiencing any stiffness or limitation in movement, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a licensed PT.
2. You have poor posture.
Poor posture is linked to many health issues. Some of which are headaches and back pain. This is very common for those with desk jobs or anyone who spends long hours sitting. When you sit for extended periods without proper support, it’s easy to slouch or lean forward, which strains your muscles and joints. By visiting a physical therapist, you’ll get a personalized assessment of your posture and be guided through exercises that strengthen your neck, core, and back muscles.
3. You’re recovering from an injury or you’ve recently undergone surgery.
Physical therapy is often used for injury rehabilitation as it has been proven to help patients recover flexibility, strength, and mobility after an injury. Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and torn ligaments are just a few examples of injuries that require a visit to a physical therapist.
For post-surgery recovery, usually after a joint replacement, spinal surgery, and the like, therapy helps prevent complications that may happen due to inactivity. With a trusted physical therapist by your side, you can recover better and prevent any complications.
4. You notice weakness or muscle loss.
Muscle atrophy or loss of muscle loss can happen for several reasons. When your muscles aren’t used regularly, they can weaken and shrink. If you’ve noticed muscle loss or weakness, a physical therapist can help you reverse the effects by strengthening the affected muscles through targeted exercises. The treatment plan will target specific muscle groups to rebuild strength and restore your ability to move freely. If you suspect that you’re suffering from muscle atrophy, it’s best to get checked by a physician before seeking physical therapy.
5. You’re an athlete or live an active lifestyle.
This proactiveness makes sure that you are healthy and able to continue your active lifestyle with confidence. By addressing any small issues before they become bigger problems, you can stay injury-free and perform at your highest potential. With the help of a licensed physical therapist, you’ll be able to keep doing what you enjoy until you get older without the fear of injuries or pain.
6. You have a chronic condition requiring therapy.
There are certain chronic conditions that require ongoing physical therapy to help manage symptoms, like arthritis, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. These conditions can affect an individual’s ability to move. If you or your loved one has a condition like this, seeing a physical therapist is very important for an improved quality of life.
Allow Yourself to Heal Better with the Help of a Licensed Physical Therapist.
Listening to your body is one of the best things you can do for your health. If something doesn’t feel right, no matter how small, it’s okay to ask for help from a licensed physical therapist. PMP Pain Center has the best physical therapists in the Philippines who are always ready to support you with the right care at the right time. Let’s work together to get you moving comfortably again. Find the nearest PMP clinic in your area, and book an appointment now!
