The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

February 1, 2025

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist, 01 February,2025

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy is a mode of treatment that is highly personalised and meant to deal with movement and pain related issues that an individual may have. All the exercises are specially designed to help you improve flexibility, reduce pain, assist muscles in moving and stretching better so that they can recover sooner and also help with joint health. Pain management is the number one concern when it comes to taking physical therapy sessions. The duration of treatment and how well you respond depend on each other. Physiotherapy can be a combination of different approaches like resistance training, light therapy, hydrotherapy, stretching, gentle massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (TENS) and you don’t always need to go to the clinic either. You can call the therapist home too if needed. Plus, therapy can be wide ranging and address a number of concerns- like the muscles, joints, the heart and lungs, the skin and even the brain. Some instances where you will need physical therapy are- if you have chronic arthritis, pain in any body part, joint issues, ligament tears, knee surgery, stroke, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, etc. among other conditions.

Role Of Physical Therapy In Chronic Pain Management-

Chronic pain is observed when your symptoms don’t seem to get any better with time and rest. Ageing related issues and autoimmune disorders of the joints can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in life. Physical therapy can help you with the pain and help reduce the magnitude of symptoms you feel. This is done by first teaching you why you have the pain, how that particular joint or body part moves and then understanding if poor posture is what is causing your problem. Then, the physiotherapist can come up with a specialised regimen of exercises which are then modified based on how much you can move or stretch. You could have other stuff thrown in- like soft tissue manipulation or joint mobilisation too. With continuous treatment, you will notice a reduction in pain and an improvement in how you move.

Physical Therapy vs. Surgery – Which Is Better For Recovery?

Physical therapy is definitely a better option when compared to surgery because of its non-invasiveness. Surgery can mean pre-operative assessment and recovery afterwards- which can take a long time. Physical therapy is often recommended when pain can be managed without surgery. Even if surgery is necessary, it definitely helps reduce recovery time and prognosis. But, surgery can solve structural issues caused due to traumatic injuries.

How To Find The Right Physical Therapist For Rehabilitation?

You should first talk to your doctor about possible referrals to physical therapists. You can then get in touch with them after you have done your homework- their credentials, how much experience they have, look at patient testimonials if they are available, and if they are specialised in any particular field. You can then get an appointment and go in for sessions regularly. Looking for options nearby are the best.

Conclusion

How long does physical therapy take to show results- this is a common question asked by many individuals. This is decided by how severe your issue or symptoms are and how well you respond to treatment. You should get physical therapy when you notice that your symptoms are much worse than before and life everyday is just getting harder to deal with, because of limited mobility or more pain. Physical therapy can be challenging but if you keep at it, you will see good results in a while. You will not see great results right away, so being patient and having realistic goals will definitely help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can physical therapy help treat?

Physical therapy is super useful in helping people with a slew of conditions like sports injuries, chronic conditions like arthritis, for neurodegenerative disorders which make movement hard and for rehabilitation after a crucial surgery- like spine or hip or knee replacement surgeries for example.

Is physical therapy necessary after surgery?

Yes, it helps patients recover their range of mobility, reduce pain and inflammation and also improve their chances of recovery. Movement can help muscles stretch and also aid in wound healing- the scar formed won’t be as painful or ragged.

Can physical therapy help with chronic pain management?

Yes, regular physical therapy can greatly help with body aches and chronic pains- they help increase flexibility, build strength and muscle mass, help with posture issues and also increase serotonin production- which can reduce stress and improve mood. Being in a crappy mood can make you feel pain more intensely than usual.

Can physical therapy prevent the need for surgery?

In most cases, yes. You will feel better in a short amount of time, if you get regular physical therapy done. Even if you do end up needing surgery, you will recover much sooner too.

How often should I attend physical therapy sessions?

You will be asked to come in 2-3 times a week or slightly less, but it all depends on the severity of your symptoms and how soon you improve. It is important to NOT strain your muscles everyday, which is why you will not be asked to go in for a session all days of the week.