Physical therapy is a great tool for improving your overall health.

These days, people are constantly searching for new ways to improve their bodies and minds. This can range from YouTube self-help videos to local yoga classes. The truth is, one of the best (and most proven) ways you can improve your health and wellbeing is through physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy.

Who Provides Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is provided by specialist practitioners called physiotherapists.

Usually, physiotherapists work in the following:

  • Hospitals
  • Private healthcare practices
  • Clinics

Anyone can become a physiotherapist. In the modern era, most people do this by achieving a DPT degree. These types of degrees offer flexible timetables for those who need them, such as individuals with family and work commitments.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a form of care that is designed to reduce pain and improve the mobility of a patient – simple.

Usually, this will be achieved through the following:

  • Guides exercises and movements
  • Massages
  • Ultrasound
  • Mobility tools
  • Rehab

After a specified amount of time, a patient can expect to feel much better than before. Of course, the end goal is for them to live a normal life again.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Now, let’s explore the main benefits of physical therapy.

1. Recover After Pregnancy

Recovering from pregnancy can be a huge challenge for a lot of women. Fortunately, physical therapy can help to speed up the recovery process. Through physical therapy, mothers can strengthen their pelvic floor muscles in a therapy setting and while at home. By the end of their course, they should feel like they did pre-pregnancy (or at least very close to it).

2. Avoid the Need for Surgery

Physical therapy helps thousands of people to avoid surgery each year. For example, it is possible for physical therapy to aid individuals with hip problems and therefore eliminate the need for them to undergo hip replacement (which can be costly and lead to medical complications). So, if you, or somebody who you know is living with physical pain, the long-term answer could be physical therapy instead of surgery.

3. Better Aging

During the aging process, it’s extremely common for elderly people to start experiencing aches, pains, and other health-related problems. The great news is that regular physical therapy can delay the negative effects of aging, which then enables older people to live fulfilling lives still!

4. Bounce Back from Injury

Moderate to severe injuries can have big impacts on people’s lives – and can even cause trauma. Depending on the type of injury that’s taken place, physical therapy can help a patient to bounce back and recover much quicker than they would without it. For instance, it’s common to use physical therapy for neck and back injuries that have been sustained at work. Hence, doctors and other healthcare professionals will often recommend physical therapy as part of their treatment plans, as it has a high success rate.