October is National Physical Therapy Month. Many people are unaware of all the benefits physical therapy can bring to improve a person’s overall quality of life. While it is true that a Falls Church, VA physical therapist does help patients who have suffered injuries or have undergone surgery, it also helps patients – of all ages and abilities – to reach their physical activity goals.

According to statistics from the federal government, more than 80 percent of all adults and teens do not get enough physical activity in their lives. Yet engaging in physical activity on a regular basis is one of the best – and easiest – ways to reduce the risk of illness and disease. Some of the benefits of physical activity include:

  • Helps in weight management
  • Improves brain function and memory
  • Improves heart health
  • Improves joint pain
  • Improves joint stiffness
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Increases life span
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Maintains muscle strength
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Reduces depression

Limits to Physical Activity

If you are having issues, such as chronic pain or limited mobility, that prevent you from engaging in regular physical activity, a physical therapist can help you overcome whatever those barriers are. A physical therapist has had significant education and training and uses patient education, hands-on care, and prescribed movement during treatment. They can help get you moving to reduce your risk of chronic disease, enhance your fitness, and prevent injuries.

Since every patient has their own unique issues, a physical therapist creates an individualized treatment plan for each one after conducting a complete evaluation. There are a number of treatment options the therapist may use, including the following:

  • Manual therapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Stretching exercises
  • Instruction in proper body mechanics and posture
  • Joint mobilization and manipulation
  • Ice
  • Heat
  • Electric stimulation
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Aquatic therapy
  • Taping

How Will You Feel After Your Treatments?

Physical therapy treatments are not designed to be painful. Instead, the goal is to help the area heal and alleviate the patient’s pain. It is important to understand, however, that as patients go through treatments and mobility is being restored, there may be fluctuations in pain levels. Some therapy sessions may leave a patient with a bit of soreness. Remember, these muscles often become weakened from lack of use because of the pain the injury or condition has been causing. This soreness is completely normal and temporary, however, patients should let their therapist know when this occurs.

Call Our Office Today

When conditions or injuries develop that cause pain and interference with our lives, a physical therapist can provide treatment to get our life back. If you would like to learn more about the benefits physical therapy can provide you, call AmeriWell Clinics to schedule an evaluation with a dedicated physical therapist in Falls Church, VA.