What Can Physical Therapy Do For You?

What Can Physical Therapy Do for You?

Physical therapy has improved countless patients’ quality of life by alleviating their pain and increasing their mobility. When choosing a physical therapist, it helps to have some knowledge of what physical therapy is and what kind of treatments physical therapists perform. You may also wish to know what type of training and education physical therapists undergo, and how their expertise can benefit you. Gathering the facts can help you feel confident about your decision to pursue physical therapy treatment.

Physical Therapy Provides Hands-On Treatment and Drug-Free Pain Relief

Many people are familiar with concept of physical therapy, but aren’t sure exactly what it entails. Perhaps you’ve heard about it from friends or family members who underwent physical therapy to rehabilitate from sports, auto, or work injuries. Or maybe you know of someone who used physical therapy to find relief from a painful chronic condition, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. You may be curious to know if physical therapy can relieve lower back pain, or return full range of motion to stiff knees, hips, or shoulders.

Physical therapy can treat all of these conditions, and more. It’s a proven alternative to costly drugs and invasive procedures, like surgery or injections. Physical therapy incorporates strength and conditioning training, manual therapy, massage, soft-tissue therapy, and other techniques to treat the underlying cause of discomfort. Helping patients regain full motor function, enabling them to live pain-free, and preventing re-injury are additional goals of physical therapy.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

A licensed physical therapist specializes in treating musculoskeletal problems. The initial evaluation will begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, range of motion, and level of discomfort. By isolating the underlying cause of the problem, a physical therapist can design a customized treatment program to help the body heal.

Instead of prescribing medication – which can have unwanted side effects – physical therapists use a variety of non-invasive techniques to relieve pain. They may also recommend a series of exercises to help the patient become stronger and more flexible. This leads to greater range of motion and improved joint stability – which can help prevent future injuries.

As experts in body mechanics, physical therapists are capable of performing a wide range of services related to how the body moves and functions. For example, a physical therapist can help athletes who wish to reach their full potential, or professionals who suffer aches and pains as a result of long days at a desk. They can even design fitness plans for individuals who desire to improve their overall health and wellness, or lead a more active lifestyle.

Training Requirements for a Physical Therapist

As part of the process of choosing a physical therapist, many patients first determine their goals for physical therapy treatment, along with their particular needs and preferences. The next step is often reviewing the qualifications of physical therapists in their area.

Training requirements for a physical therapist include earning a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapy program, as well as passing a national licensure exam. Physical therapy programs typically include education in subjects such as biology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and pathology, to name a few. Extensive training in cardiopulmonary function, medical screening, and therapeutic interventions is also required.

Individual states govern the practice of physical therapy. Licensed physical therapists are required to undergo continuing education as a condition of maintaining state licensure. Some may choose to pursue additional certification in one of several specialty areas, such as geriatric physical therapy or cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. A number of professional organizations within the industry offer classes, seminars, and conferences for physical therapists who wish to further their knowledge.

Find the Right Physical Therapist for Your Needs and Goals

While all licensed physical therapists have undergone extensive training and education, they may differ in their approach to treatment and interpersonal communication. As in any profession, physical therapists come from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of experience, abilities, and knowledge. However, all physical therapists share a commitment to helping their patients – so choosing the right physical therapist for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences. For example, one patient may prefer a more intensive plan and short course of treatment, while another might want a gentler approach and slower pace.

The best physical therapists have a strong desire to refine their skills and broaden their knowledge. They seek out opportunities to learn new advancements in the field, and they continually strive to improve. If you want to have access to the latest innovations and new techniques in your treatment, you’ll want to look for a physical therapist who actively participates in continuing education.

Find a Licensed Physical Therapist in the St. Louis, Missouri, Area

When you’re ready to choose a physical therapist, the first step is to contact your physician to request a prescription for physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend a particular physical therapy clinic, but you have the right to choose your physical therapy center based on your own research, goals, and needs.

If you’re seeking a licensed physical therapist in Eureka, Missouri, your research will likely direct you to the Sports and Physical Therapy Center. The clinic’s talented therapists have extensive experience in treating a wide variety of conditions; and their successful outcomes have won high regard from physicians and patients alike. Not only does each therapist hold a graduate degree in physical therapy and a current state license, but the entire team is dedicated to pursuing ongoing education. They all share a common goal – to provide the best quality of care and most effective treatments, in order to achieve lasting results.

What Makes the Sports And Physical Therapy Center Different?

Owner Sean Quinn and his skilled team take a personal interest in their patients. They strive to listen and understand how your injury or condition is impacting your life – and then help you achieve the best possible outcome. The Sports and Physical Therapy Center team meets regularly to discuss new techniques and determine which patients will benefit most from them. This collaborative approach, along with continuous training, enables the team to accommodate any situation, while expanding treatment options for patients.

The experienced therapists at the Sports and Physical Therapy Center will look out for your best interests and develop a physical therapy treatment plan to achieve your goals in the most efficient manner. If you’re experiencing pain, have suffered an injury, or simply wish to improve your health and fitness level, you can trust the team at the Sports and Physical Therapy Center. Their education, knowledge, and ongoing training meet and exceed the industry-standard requirements for physical therapists; and they have a proven track record of success.

If you’d like to schedule an evaluation or get answers to your questions, call the Sports and Physical Therapy Center at 636-938-4065. You can also visit http://www.ptstl.com for more information and resources.