As soon as we sustain an injury, our body’s natural healing process begins immediately. However, this process can be slow and incomplete, especially if you have sustained a severe injury. Physical therapy accelerates the healing process of the body, helping people recover from injuries more quickly and fully.
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on maintaining, restoring, and promoting physical functions, mobility, and health-related quality of life. It can play a vital role in rehabilitation following an injury or surgery.
Let’s explore how physical therapy helps with the rehabilitation process following an injury.
It Helps Manage Pain and Inflammation
Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to manage pain and inflammation associated with an injury. A physical therapist can use a variety of techniques, including exercises, manual therapies (such as massage and mobilization), and therapeutic modalities (such as heat and cold therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy, and others), to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
It Limits Scar Tissue Buildup
Scar tissue formation is a natural part of the body’s healing process and is common after an injury. When scar tissue forms, it creates tightness, making it harder to move the injured area. A physical therapist can use various techniques, including manual therapy and other forms of stretching, to help break up the scar tissue to ensure proper healing and function.
It Improves the Range of Motion
Injuries, especially musculoskeletal injuries, can significantly limit the range of motion and mobility, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, bending, lifting, or reaching.
Physical therapy can help to improve mobility and range of motion of injured joints and muscles. A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise plan and use manual therapy techniques, such as massage therapy and mobilization, to reduce muscle tension, improve joint alignment, and enhance the range of motion.
It Restores Muscle Strength
When an injury occurs, whether it is a ligament tear, muscle strain, fracture, or other musculoskeletal issues, the affected muscle can weaken due to pain and a period of inactivity.
Physical therapy involves assessing the specific muscles that need to be addressed and their level of impairment. Following the initial assessment, the physical therapist develops a personalized exercise plan that gradually challenges the muscles and restores their lost strength.
It Reduces the Risk of Re-injury
Physical therapy identifies the root cause of the initial injury, such as muscle imbalances, poor postures, improper biomechanics, or weakness in the supporting muscle, and addresses them to minimize the likelihood of future injuries. PT will also help you safely return to your normal activities or sports without risking re-injury.
What To Expect from Your Physical Therapy Session?
At your first physical therapy appointment, your physical therapist will perform an injury screening and physical exam, ask questions about your symptoms, and review your medical history. Then, they develop a personalized rehabilitation plan, which will be based on your individual needs and goals.
Your physical therapy session may also include:
- Therapeutic exercises that focuses on improving your range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
- Manual therapies, such as massage and mobilization, to improve range of motion and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Therapeutic modalities, such as transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, hot and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, and others for pain relief and quick healing.
The length of your physical therapy will vary depending on the severity of your injuries. For example, for some minor injuries, you may need only a few physical therapy sessions, while for severe injuries, you may need physical therapy for several weeks or months.
Your physical therapist will also schedule regular follow-up appointments with you to track your progress and make adjustments to your rehabilitation plan as needed.
Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL
Physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation following an injury or surgery. It can boost your healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve strength and flexibility.
If you have sustained an injury and are looking for high-quality physical therapy services, visit us here at H2 Health. We have a team of highly talented and experienced physical therapists who offer a comprehensive range of high-quality physical therapy services, including therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, ultrasound, transcutaneous-electric nerve stimulation, and others to help patients regain their lost function and mobility after an injury or surgery.
To know more about our services or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our providers, call us today at your nearest H2 Health clinic or fill out our easy-to-fill appointment form.
