5 Signs It’s Time to Go to Physical Therapy

Did you know that 19 percent of all healthcare visits are due to musculoskeletal conditions? They’re the leading cause of disability and healthcare costs in the US, amounting to $980 billion annually.

Needless to say, a lot of people could benefit from seeing a physical therapist.

Contrary to some beliefs, physical therapy (PT) isn’t just for athletes with million-dollar salaries. Anyone with an illness, disability, or injury that causes pain or limits capabilities is a candidate for PT. If you have lower back pain, a quite common complaint, PT can reduce treatment cost by 72% if it’s employed as the first treatment strategy.

What are the signs that would make you consider physical therapy? Here are five indicators that tell you it’s high time to see a specialist.

1. Physical Pain

Ongoing pain is what gets most people convinced to go see a physical therapist.

If you’re experiencing sharp, nagging pain, have it looked at right away. It might be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a stress fracture or a pulled muscle. A licensed physical therapist can determine the root cause and recommend a treatment program.

Exercises and therapies will not only help alleviate the pain but also allow the body to heal. PT can also teach you good posture and practices to avoid future occurrences of pain.

2. Physical Therapy Can Help With Injuries

Physical therapy can help you recover from any type of injury, whether it’s from an accident, playing sports, or work-related. It can reduce inflammation and prevent further damage not just from fresh injuries but from old injuries as well.

It’s vital to have a consult with a licensed therapist after any sort of traumatic event. Because adrenaline can mask the pain from an injury, you may have underlying tissue damage even if you feel ‘okay.’

3. Loss of Function

Loss of function is a worrying symptom that requires the immediate attention of a doctor or physical therapist. Examples are reduced grip strength, decreased mobility and range of motion, or limb weakness.

Alongside pain, loss of function can put a damper on the activities that you used to love.

With regular PT, you can develop your strength and mobility bit by bit until you can regain full function. It will help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

4. You Just Had Surgery

After surgery, you may experience some loss of functionality. Post-op, your body is still struggling to heal itself. You can expect some weakness and stiffness of the joints, more so if you spent a long time in bed recovering.

PT can help keep your muscles healthy, moving, and flexible even while you’re still in the process of recovery. It can also reduce the amount of scar tissue that may form after your ordeal at the surgeon’s table.

5. You Had a Major Cardiac or Pulmonary Event

The heart is one big muscle and breathing involves muscle power as well. Cardiopulmonary therapy plays an important part in the recovery process. PT can prevent future events from happening and improve overall health.

You can quote this line from the American Heart Association. “Cardiac rehab doesn’t change your past, but it can help improve your heart’s future.”

Do You Need Physical Therapy?

Sometimes, we can all use a little physical therapy. It’s a service that can help you on your road to recovery and a pain-free lifestyle.

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