There are those who would connote physical therapy with massage services. After all, when one thinks of the words “physical therapy” what comes into mind is the kneading, stroking and pounding of the body. But
delve deeper than the typical run-of-the-mill massage services. Physical therapy is a science that has to do with a long-term, hands-on and direct form of personal patient care while the latter is more inclined on giving instant comfort and gratification that is almost placebo-like. Physical therapy programs are much more systematic with exercises especially devised for the patient so as to help them get back on their feet after a debilitating illness, injury or surgical operation.
Physical therapy programs are those designed by a licensed physical therapist often for stroke patients, those with birth defects and with post-operative problems. Other possible patients for physical therapy are those who have had injury due to any forms of accidents like a traffic or sport mishap. As a form of rehabilitation for those with physical impediments or illnesses, physical therapy programs are oftentimes long-term and painstaking processes but with strict adherence, it is possible to regain the lost functions of speech, walking or even lifting an arm or a finger. Paralysis is a common problem addressed by physical therapy programs, and with the patience of both the patient and the physical therapist to commit to the therapy process, the debilitated person can live through or learn to live with their disability.
Initially before recommending physical therapy programs, the physical therapist determines the extent and nature of the disability or injury after which they will devise exercises that a patient will perform at home. The patient visits the physical therapist several times a week so as to make the health professional monitor the patient’s progress and to ascertain the health issues that need to be addressed further.
are capable of delivering hundreds of health benefits ranging from evaluating physical problems, increasing and maintaining muscle strength and endurance and in promoting coordination. Through a rigorous process of executing exercises and with the aid of devices or prosthetics, physical therapy programs can restore and increase joint range of motion, decrease pain, muscle spasm and plasticity as well as reduce joint swelling and inflammation.
An efficient physical therapist should be able to devise physical therapy programs that eventually promote the healing of soft tissue lesions, prevent contracture and deformity of the limbs and alleviate walking problems. Through well-planned and conscientiously managed physical therapy programs, the patient’s family is educated as well thereby reducing the stress experienced by the household and the patient. The benefits of physical therapy programs largely depend on the treatment methods utilized by the physical therapist. They could either be joint mobilization treatments, soft tissue and trigger point release, manual therapy or myofascial stretching. Other physical therapy programs include modalities such as therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, strengthening of weak muscles, reconditioning and home exercise programs to facilitate a patient to be back on their feet.
Physical therapy programs are far more superior than the instant yet transitory comfort and gratification provided by massage. With strict adherence to
, simple and normal yet essential functioning can be regained thereby offering renewal to the debilitated.
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