Top 10 Conditions That Benefit from Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a broad field that can help people with a variety of conditions. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help people improve their function and reduce their pain.

In order to help you better understand the use cases of physical therapy, Jason LaMendola PT shares a top 10 list of conditions that benefit from physical therapy.

Here are the top 10 conditions that benefit from physical therapy, using your list:

1. Sports injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more serious injuries, such as fractures and dislocations. Physical therapy can help athletes to recover from sports injuries by reducing pain, improving range of motion, and strengthening the muscles around the injured area. Physical therapists can also teach athletes how to prevent future injuries.

2. Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Physical therapy can help people with arthritis to manage their pain, improve their range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around their joints. Physical therapists can also teach people with arthritis how to use adaptive equipment and make lifestyle changes to reduce their pain and improve their function.

3. Post-surgical healing can be a slow and painful process. Physical therapy can help people to recover from surgery more quickly and safely by reducing pain, improving range of motion, and strengthening the muscles around the operated area. Physical therapists can also teach people how to perform exercises safely and effectively.

4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking, popping, and limited jaw movement. Physical therapy can help people with TMJ disorders to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and prevent future problems.

5. Fall prevention is an important goal for people of all ages, but it is especially important for older adults. Physical therapy can help people to reduce their risk of falls by improving their balance, coordination, and strength. Physical therapists can teach people exercises to improve their balance and coordination, as well as how to make their home safer to prevent falls.

6. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or moving when you are not actually moving. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as inner ear problems, head injuries, and medications. Physical therapy can help people with vertigo to improve their balance and reduce their symptoms. Physical therapists can teach people exercises to improve their balance and coordination, as well as how to manage their symptoms.

7. Repetitive use injuries are injuries that occur when the same muscles and tendons are used over and over again. Repetitive use injuries can occur in any part of the body, but they are most common in the hands, elbows, shoulders, and neck. Physical therapy can help people with repetitive use injuries to recover from their injuries and prevent re-injury. Physical therapists can teach people exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected area and improve flexibility.

8. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that affects the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a variety of problems, including bladder leakage, constipation, and pain during sex. Physical therapy can help people with pelvic floor dysfunction to improve their bladder and bowel control, reduce pain, and improve sexual function. Physical therapists can teach people exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve flexibility.

9. Stroke rehabilitation is a process of helping people who have had a stroke to regain their strength, range of motion, and coordination. Physical therapy plays an important role in stroke rehabilitation. Physical therapists can help people with stroke to learn how to walk, use their arms and hands, and perform other activities of daily living. Physical therapists can also teach people with stroke how to manage their fatigue and balance.

10. Pain management is a complex process that involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pain. Physical therapy can be an effective part of a pain management plan. Physical therapists can teach people exercises to improve their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Physical therapists can also teach people relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms for managing pain.

As you can see, PT can play an invaluable role in your health, and the list of ten examples above is hardly comprehensive.

If you want to learn more about how physical therapy can help you, schedule an appointment at one of our offices in New York City located in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.