When we think about physical therapy, we often picture people recovering from injuries to their arms and legs. We might imagine an athlete hurt on the field needing treatment to get back into shape. But physical therapy can also be essential in treating many other health issues.
Here are three conditions where you might not expect physical therapy to be helpful:
1. **Cardiopulmonary Conditions**: Physical therapists can help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or heart disease. They assist patients in building stamina and endurance while managing their condition’s effects. This might involve breathing exercises to improve lung function and strategies to cope with shortness of breath, allowing patients to maintain a relatively healthy activity level.
2. **Neurological Conditions**: Physical therapists are also crucial for patients with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Therapy often focuses on improving balance and teaching the use of assistive devices like walkers or canes. They help patients set short and long-term goals to regain a healthier life. For stroke patients, this can mean relearning basic motor skills such as walking, standing, or sitting. Hand exercises may also be used to strengthen a weak hand.
3. **Pediatric Needs**: Physical therapy isn’t just for adults. It plays a significant role in pediatrics for children with developmental delays, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. Physical therapists can aid children with physical or cognitive delays in leading more independent lives. This could involve training with adaptive technology to help them complete their education or live independently as adults.
Physical therapy goes beyond simple exercises and increased movement. Therapists might employ ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation (E-stim) to boost blood flow, promote healing, and reduce pain. They often provide patients with home treatment plans to supplement office visits.
You can find licensed physical therapists in various settings like nursing homes, private practices, hospitals, rehab centers, sports medicine clinics, and even schools. Patients may be referred by doctors, hospitals, schools, or they might seek out therapists independently.
If you need to find a physical therapist, your insurance provider or doctor might have recommendations. Another good resource is the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
