Physical therapy is a medical discipline that focuses on improving the function of your body following injury, surgery or a chronic medical condition. Your Peconic Bay Medical Center physical therapist is skilled in techniques that improve soft tissue health, increase flexibility, promote a greater range of motion and reduce pain. Undergoing a thorough evaluation can help your doctor and physical therapist create an individualized treatment plan to restore your health.
Physical Therapy Promotes Healthy Pain Management
When an injury does not heal properly, people often go on to experience chronic pain. This causes many patients to turn to over-the-counter painkillers or even prescription narcotics to manage pain. In contrast, physical therapists use ultrasound, electrical stimulation and hands-on techniques to restore blood flow to affected tissues. This improves tissue functioning and significantly reduces patients’ experiences of pain. This, in turn, decreases reliance on pharmaceutical pain management strategies.
Physical Therapy Improves Your Functional Abilities
Following surgery or an injury, you are likely limited in the types of activities you can perform. These functional limitations are a source of anxiety and frustration for many patients. In your first visit, your physical therapist will perform a thorough assessment to determine your ability to perform everyday functions. He or she will then work with you to set treatment targets. Whether that means walking without a cane or returning to a sport, your physical therapist can help you engage in the daily activities you enjoy.
Physical Therapy Can Help You Avoid Surgery
If you’ve experienced an injury, getting a proper evaluation is critical. In some cases, your tissue may be damaged so severely that surgery is the only option. In other cases, however, physical therapy should be tried first. Physical therapy is less invasive and can actually prevent the need for future surgery.
Physical Therapy Helps Prevent Future Injury
One of the greatest benefits of physical therapy is that it can help prevent future injury. When an injury does not heal properly, you may have residual pain or joint stiffness. Once a muscle or joint is injured, it is never quite the same. This means that you are more prone to injuring that body part again. Because physical therapy promotes proper healing, it makes it less likely that you will experience re-injury in the future.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or an injury, you want the best physical therapists to support you as you transition back to health. Contact our Long Island physical therapy experts to get the care you deserve.