Is Physical Therapy Just Exercises and Stretching?
on Thursday, June 6, 2019
The short answer is no. Physical therapy is much more than exercises, heating pads, and stretching. Physical therapy is focused on the recovery of movement and overall wellness. There is a lot that goes on before any exercise or stretching takes place.
First, We Evaluate and Diagnose
The success for recovery is proportional to the quality of the evaluation performed by your physical therapist. Many ailments can easily be confused or misidentified if not diagnosed by a professional physical therapist. For example, a gradual pain onset is frequently the result of a mobility issue or muscle imbalance. In some cases, such as elbow pain for instance, one may experience referred pain to the affected area from a cervical spine or upper thoracic spine condition. This common scenario can be identified by your physical therapist during your clinical evaluation and be treated accordingly.
Additionally, issues resulting from auto and work-related injuries, chronic pain, elbow pain, foot and ankle pain, headaches, dizziness, hip and knee pain, neck and back pain, pre/post-operative rehabilitation, and shoulder pain can be treated far more effectively once an evaluation and diagnostic evaluation have been performed.
Physical Therapists Have Doctorate Degrees
There is a great deal of the evaluation and diagnostic process that requires proper education. When physical therapy originally became recognized as a profession, one required a bachelor’s degree to practice. In the 1990s, programs transitioned to a Master of Science degree and now, in the 21st century, the profession has advanced to the doctoral level.
Physical Therapy is Rehabilitative and Preventive Medicine
The impact of physical therapy continues long after your sessions with your physical therapist have ended. As a patient, you will learn in-home programs to self-rehabilitate your condition. You will also receive instruction in behavioral modification and prevention strategies to avoid recurrence or onset of new conditions.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we focus on manual therapy. This means that, rather than attempting to decrease pain by strengthening a painful body part, as conventional physical therapy does, we believe in eliminating pain by improving joint function through mobilization techniques, patient education, and behavioral modification strategies.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our practice, clinic, and staff. Call us at 503.928.4914 to schedule an appointment.
Renew Your Body, Reclaim Your Life!
