Many people associate the need for physical therapy with professional athletes and those suffering traumatic injuries. Minor aches and pains can be a normal part of life but when these pains are not relieved by home remedies or medications, it may be time to look for further treatment. There are many conditions that physical therapy can treat, many of which people are unaware of.
What is physical therapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a health profession in which a licensed physical therapist helps diagnose, treat, and educate patients on musculoskeletal system disorders, injuries, and illnesses.
Physical therapy can help to speed up the recovery process following an injury, prevent impairments, and help you to live a pain-free life. During the initial appointment with a physical therapist, you will be examined to assess the extent and severity of pain or injury and a personalized treatment plan will be developed to fit your personal needs, improve mobility, manage pain, and restore function to an affected limb or joint.
4 signs it is time to see a physical therapist
Physical therapy is an important part of dealing with the musculoskeletal system. Conditions may involve key parts of the body including the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Most people associate the need for physical therapy with a serious injury, but there are many reasons for people to see a physical therapist including:
1) Swelling and soreness
Swelling, inflammation, and soreness are common after an injury involving the musculoskeletal system. It can create discomfort for the patient making it more difficult to continue daily chores and other normal activities.
Swelling can indicate there is a higher level of damage to the inside of the body than can be seen from the outside while sore muscles, without an obvious cause, can be indicative of muscular disease. A physical therapist can help a person identify the cause of pain as well as the best course for healing.
2) Weakened joints
Weakened joints, or joint instability, is a common injury involving the musculoskeletal system. One of the most common joints to be affected is the knee – a crucial part of the body responsible for holding a person’s body weight and helping them to walk. Joint instability indicates that a previous injury has not fully healed and requires further treatment.
3) No relief from over-the-counter or prescription medications
Minor aches and pains can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, or prescription medications. However, when the injury is severe enough, medication may not provide relief. A physical therapist can help get to the root of the cause of pain rather than masking symptoms with medication.
4) Lingering pain
It can be normal to feel minor discomfort or pain throughout the day, especially after a strenuous workout or physical labor. For normal pain, the most common at-home remedy is known as R.I.C.E.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Chronic pain is generally defined by medical professionals as pain that lasts more than 3 months. Chronic or persistent pain affects more 50 million of Americans, or one in five.
When the standard at-home remedy does not provide relief or pain persists, further treatment like physiotherapy can help. An injury like a minor sprain, when left untreated, can lead to a more serious or chronic problem causing debilitating pain.
ProFizix Physical Therapy and Wellness in Los Angeles
Physiotherapy is an intricate health profession that involves treating a variety of disorders, injuries, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Nazanin Amini, the founder of ProFizix, holds many certifications including:
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists.
- Certified Hand Therapist.
- Certified Myofascial Release Therapist.
- Certified ISVT BIG Therapist.
At ProFizix, our team offers a variety of services to ensure each patient is afforded excellent care. Our team offers acupuncture therapy, wellness therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Full healing is not likely when deficits are present in other areas, including nutritional deficits and mental health. By providing multiple forms of treatment, we can better assist and provide individual care to each patient.
Contact us here at ProFizix Physical Therapy and Wellness in Los Angeles today.