Physical therapy is a normal step to take after getting injured. Most physical therapy clinics see up to 200 patients each week. The types of injuries treated by physical therapy can range significantly. If you have recently been injured, you may be wondering what next steps you should take. Here are a few ways a physical therapist can help you recover from an injury effectively.
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Strengthen Muscles and Improve Movement
When you experience an injury, you’re often advised to rest for a period of time. This is important for recovery but can also cause the muscles in the injured area to weaken. An important function of physical therapy for shoulder pain and other types of pain is to strengthen the muscles and improve your ability to move the affected area.
Since it can be a bit uncomfortable to move certain parts of your body after an injury, it’s too easy to keep the area stagnant so it continues to weaken over time. A good physical therapist will guide you through gentle exercises designed to improve muscle strength without injuring the area again.
Regain Control of Your Body After Injury
A physical injury can make anyone feel helpless and out of control of their own body. Physical therapists understand the risks associated with different injury types and can help you slowly and carefully regain control of your body after you’re injured. From chronic pain management to tennis elbow physical therapy, your therapist will provide the type of treatment you need to get back to regular life as quickly as possible.
Help You Improve Flexibility Without Further Injury
If you keep any part of your body stagnant for too long, that body part will eventually lose its flexibility. While it’s normal (and important) to nurse a wounded area after an injury, you can’t go too long without moving the impacted area at least a little or the muscles and ligaments can lock up.
There are benefits to receiving the instructions of a skilled physical therapist when stretching out a previously injured part of your body. Stretching is essential for healing but if it isn’t done properly, it can cause further damage. Stretching properly can increase blood flow to the impacted area and facilitate healing. Your physical therapist will help you gently increase flexibility without further injuring yourself. Search for “physical therapy near me” to locate an experienced physical therapist who can help you regain your flexibility after an injury.
Give You Encouragement When You Feel Like Giving Up
It’s normal to get discouraged when recovering from an injury. Discouragement can happen when you feel like you should be healing faster than you are. It can also happen when you’re tired of the discomfort associated with the healing process.
If you’re feeling down or like you don’t want to keep nursing your body back to health, a physical therapist can offer you encouragement and hope. A good therapist will help you remain optimistic while also being realistic about how long your recovery will likely last. Find a good physical therapist in your area today to improve your healing process.