Physical Therapy Awareness: American PT Assn. of New Jersey · Jag One PT · Kessler PT · Fox Rehabilitation · Excel PT
Source: WebMD.com
Physical Therapy (PT) is care that aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live better. People of all ages get physical therapy. It can treat a variety of health problems.
Physical therapy can:
– Relieve pain
– Improve movement or ability
– Prevent or recover from a sports injury
– Prevent disability or surgery
– Rehab after a stroke, accident, injury, or surgery
– Work on balance to prevent a slip or fall
– Manage a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis
– Recover after you give birth
– Control your bowels or bladder
– Adapt to an artificial limb
– Learn to use assistive devices like a walker or cane
– Get a splint or brace
If you have a serious illness or injury, a PT won’t take the place of your doctor. But he will work with your doctors and other health care professionals to guide treatments. You’ll feel better and you’ll be more likely to get back full function in the area being treated, and in most cases, faster than without the guidance of a PT.
Your treatments might include:
– Exercises or stretches guided by your therapist
– Massage, heat, or cold therapy, warm water therapy, or ultrasound to ease muscle pain or spasms
– Rehab to help you learn to use an artificial limb
– Practice with gadgets that help you move or stay balanced, like a cane or walker
In most states, you can go directly to a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor. Or your doctor might prescribe it. Check your insurance policy to see if you need a prescription to cover the cost.