If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely heard of physical therapy. In the U.S., physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for sports injuries and many chronic conditions. Despite its importance, only about 40% of Americans have ever seen a physical therapist. With costs ranging from $50 to $300 per session, understanding when to see a PT and what to expect can help you decide if it’s worth it.
Physiotherapists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions. But which is the best? And what can you expect when you visit one? In this article, we’ll explore the most common injuries and conditions physiotherapists treat. We’ll also cover what to expect during a session and whether seeing one is beneficial for each case.
1. Sports injuries and Musculoskeletal pain
You can see a physio if you have a sports injury or pain in one of your joints or muscles. Injuries treated include ligament and tendon injuries, fractures, back pain, hip pain, joint pain, and nerve pain.
What to expect: Your therapist will take a detailed medical history, perform a manual examination, and usually come up with a diagnosis. From the diagnosis, they will then create a treatment plan. Treatment is likely to include manual therapy, corrective exercises, and electrical interventions.
Is it worth it? Injury recovery is a key aspect of physiotherapists’ training. If the injury had a gradual onset, an imbalance of muscles or gait pattern is probably the cause. It’s very likely your therapist will be able to reduce your pain or fix your problem. If the onset of the injury is sudden, it’s best to go to A&E first for a scan. After the scan, you can see a therapist, and they will be able to help you recover.
2. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
You can see a Physiotherapist after any surgery, even if it’s not a joint surgery. Physical therapy plays a vital role in regaining mobility and function. It’s usually recommended after Muscle tendon, ligament, or joint surgeries.
What to expect: Lots of questions about the surgery and a thorough assessment of the joint or surgical area. Treatment will include a structured exercise program, manual therapy and taping and bracing.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. With professional guidance, you can avoid overexerting the joint or failing to regain full strength. For best results, it’s recommended to see the physio on a regular basis. With regular visits, you’ll get feedback on forms, program adjustments, and manual therapy. It’s important to see the physiotherapist at least once to get your rehabilitation program.
3. Chronic Pain Management
You can see a therapist if you have chronic pain for example arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic back pain. Physical therapists are trained in both treating and managing such conditions.
What to expect: Your therapist will take a detailed history and conduct a thorough assessment leading to a diagnosis. Treatment usually includes exercise therapy, manual therapy, electrical therapy, ultrasound, taping, and bracing.
Is it worth it? Yes, here is a list of chronic conditions physical therapy is great for:
- Chronic injuries:Gradual-onset injuries are often caused by muscle imbalance. If the therapist is good, many of these injuries are solvable with treatments offered by your therapist.
- Arthritis:Osteoarthritis is more common in joints that are slightly out of place. Your physio can give you exercises to align the joints. Treatments such as ultrasound can be used to reduce inflammation. In some cases, injections can be used for improvement.
- Nerve pain:Nerve pain can stem from a variety of issues. In many cases, a nerve can be impinged in a muscle or caught in a joint space or vertebra. Your therapist can help to diagnose the problem. They can release a spasmed muscle and will give exercises to release nerves impinged in the joint space.
4. Mobility or Balance Issues
You can see a therapist if you struggle with balance, coordination, or walking. Poor balance and coordination increase your risk of injuries or falls, particularly for older adults.
What to expect: Your therapist will ask a few questions and perform a thorough assessment. They will then create a treatment plan that includes corrective exercises and manual therapy.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Physical therapy can improve strength, coordination, and gait function. This reduces the risk of injury and will make you function better and feel more confident.
5. Sports Performance and Injury Prevention
You can seek physical therapy to enhance sports performance and prevent injuries. Therapists can identify weaknesses or imbalances and recommend corrective exercises.
What to expect:
A few questions, a thorough examination, and a treatment plan that mostly contains exercises and manual therapy.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely, physical therapy can greatly improve your strength, coordination, and gait pattern.
6. Neurological Conditions
You can see a therapist if you have a condition such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
What to expect: Your therapist will conduct a detailed assessment and take a thorough medical history. Treatment is more varied for these conditions. It could include strength and balance work, hydrotherapy, mirror therapy, primitive reflex integration, and exoskeleton therapy.
Is it worth it? Yes. Some physical therapy treatments work better than others. Interventions like exoskeleton therapy can improve stroke patients’ outcomes by around 20-130%, and physical therapy improves Parkinson’s outcomes by between 5 – 40%.
7. Women’s Health and Prenatal/Postnatal Care
If you are pregnant, physical therapy can help relieve pregnancy-related pain and also prepare you for the birth.
What to expect: Your therapist will ask questions and assess your needs. Treatment will usually include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and dry needling.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Pregnancy can cause a lot of discomfort, and seeing a therapist can provide relief. Back pain can stem from tightness in muscles that are hard to stretch due to the bump. These can be released with manual therapy or dry needling. SIJ pain is common in pregnancy. This type of pain can be reduced by strengthening and balancing the muscles around the joint. Your therapist will be able to guide you on safe practices during pregnancy.
Final thoughts
You can see a physical therapist to treat many conditions effectively. Most importantly, therapists are always trained in patient-informed practice. This means everything should be explained clearly to you, and you’ll be able to have a say in your treatment process. For more information or to find your local physio, you can check out our page at Physical Therapy Near Northville.
