Reviewed and contributions made by Dallas Reynolds, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, COMT
Like in many areas in health and medicine, professionals offer recommendations for preventive and proactive health measures. Measures like regular exercise, sleeping 6-8 hours a night and eating a nutritious diet are recommendations to decrease risk factors for obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. An annual well-woman visit, colonoscopy, or flu shot are also forms of prevention.
We take active measures to protect our health in numerous ways, but what about how you move? Our bodies change with activities and with age. Why not make preventive physical therapy a part of your wellness routine? Whether you need weekly, monthly, or annual visit, meeting with a physical therapist [PT] – a movement expert – can help keep you going strong.
Get Your Free Physical Therapy Screening
Not sure where to start with physical therapy? Get a free screening and let us help you start the path to recovery today.
GET MY COMPLIMENTARY SCREENING
What is physical therapy?
If you have sustained a sports-related injury, undergone surgery or suffer from a neurological disorder, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. With this type of care, a PT will work with you to assess and evaluate your symptoms, develop a personalized care plan, and then oversee your treatment to restore movement.
While your care plan will be tailored to your specific needs, it will involve exercises and stretches to help you improve your mobility, reduce pain, and regain function. While PT is typically thought of as care you undergo after an injury, physical therapy can be used as preventive care to guard against future problems.
What is preventive physical therapy?
Preventive physical therapy can take many forms, depending on your age, activity level and needs. Here are a few reasons to talk to a PT before any injury forces you into a clinic.
Preparation for a new physical activity or leveled-up training
Talking to a PT before starting a new workout routine or before taking your training to the next level can identify potentially problematic areas. For example, if you are deciding to take your regular five or 10k to the next level by signing up for a marathon, a PT can help. A PT can identify muscle weakness, perform gait analysis and help you develop a training plan.
The same applies if you want to start a new exercise program. Talking with a PT can help you navigate your new routine and pinpoint areas you want to mobilize or strengthen. In many cases, your physical therapist can even help you develop a supplementary or complimentary exercise program to accompany your new training regimen.
Physical therapy and injury prevention
Meeting with a PT regularly can help identify whether that slight tweak, ache or pain is a much larger injury waiting to happen. Like with any condition, early detection is crucial and can save you from discomfort and save you time and money.
For instance, if an achy hip is starting to affect your golf game negatively, talk to a PT. A few sessions with them could save you from seeing an orthopedic doctor, a cortisone shot, increasing pain and more. Plus, being a stronger, more mobilized version of yourself will get you back on the links sooner and may even improve your golf game.
Age well with preventive PT
As our bodies age, they become more susceptible to injury and disease. However, like many other proactive health measures out there, preventive PT can help keep chronic health issues at bay.
We all have unique backgrounds and health histories. Based on these two components, we may be more likely to develop osteoporosis or more prone to falls. Working with a skilled therapist can help in either instance and with other conditions. A PT can assist in developing various exercise programs, from strengthening your bones to improving your overall balance.
Reap the benefits of PT
The benefits of PT are nuanced and great, considering physical therapy assists in several ways. From sports-related injuries to post-surgery rehab to neurological conditions or post-partum related-issues and more, physical therapy can help patients manage and ease pain, build strength, and improve flexibility and mobility.
Using PT as a preventative measure can help you retain optimal health as you age – avoiding injury and increasing your quality of life. Consider making a PT visit a part of your personal wellness plan. Our therapists are available in over 900 clinics across 24 states and virtually through our telehealth platform, CONNECT™.