Who Might Need Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a type of physical treatment that involves exercises, stretches, and manual manipulation to recover strength and flexibility in ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints. Physical therapy can be beneficial to many people who suffer from loss of muscle strength, range of motion, injury, or those who are recovering from surgery. Many people may think only athletes or people with an injury need to go to a physical therapist but that’s not true. Here, we’ll talk about many types of people who might need physical therapy.

OLDER ADULTS

As we age, the muscles in our bodies start to lose their strength and stability. Older adults are more prone to falls due to loss of balance and coordination. Physical therapy can help older adults regain their strength and prevent muscle atrophy, or wasting away of the muscles. This can provide older adults the ability to perform activities of daily living more independently and make them less prone to falls. Incorporating some movement into everyday life, such as light walking around the house, cooking, or cleaning, can help older adults stay active.

SURGICAL PATIENTS

Patients recovering from surgery can benefit from physical therapy to retrain the body to perform its usual tasks. This is especially true after joint replacement surgery. Physical therapists can work with surgical patients both in the hospital and in rehabilitation facilities. Exercises might include walking with an assistive device such as a walker, range of motion exercises, and strength training.

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE

Whether you are a professional athlete or someone who likes to go the gym on a daily basis, your body is prone to a lot of wear and tear. A well-qualified physical therapist can help make sure you are exercising in a way that doesn’t cause injury or can help with muscles that are suffering from overuse. If you have an injury, physical therapy can help you regain muscle strength and can promote a faster recovery.

PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnant women have musculoskeletal changes as their body accommodates their growing baby. This can cause pain or discomfort in certain areas such as the lower back or hips. Physical therapists can provide manual manipulation and exercises to help pregnant women adjust to the changes their body is going through. Physical therapy can also help postpartum women who are recovering from birth injuries.

PHYSICAL THERAPY IN WOOSTER, OH

The highly trained team of physical therapists at Wooster Community Hospital is here to help you with all your musculoskeletal needs. We provide physical therapy to the Wooster community using the utmost care and attention. Our team can help you get back to living an active lifestyle, pain-free.

If you’d like to learn more about physical therapy at Wooster Community Hospital, call us today at (330) 202-3300 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you get back into shape!