October is National Physical Therapy Month, and this year’s theme focuses on the integral part physical therapy can play in improving physical activity. When provided by trained and certified professionals, physical therapy has the ability to boost physical well-being, enabling you to enjoy a more active and healthy life.
Initially celebrated as Physical Therapy Week in June of 1981, Physical Therapy Month was first announced in 1992, expanding by three weeks and moving to the month of October.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Whether dealing with an illness, injury, or any type of medical condition affecting physical health, physical therapy can aid in getting you closer to or reaching prior levels of mobility and physical welfare.
Pain Reduction
When suffering from muscle or joint pain, physical therapy can target the affected body parts and help them heal naturally. As opposed to temporary solutions like prescription painkillers, the healing benefits of physical therapy can last a lifetime. From therapeutic massage to guided stretching and exercise, the different forms of physical therapy all work together to relieve pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Improve Balance
Physical therapy can be extremely beneficial to those at high risk for slip and fall accidents. Sometimes with the aid of assistive medical devices, physical therapists work one-on-one with the patient to increase coordination and maintain equilibrium. Through daily or weekly exercise sessions and physical therapy treatments, it may be possible to restore the body’s balance and increase mobility.
Avoid Surgery
Depending on the specific physical ailment, physical therapy may help in restoring bodily function without the need to undergo surgery. This mainly pertains to injuries which have caused muscle damage. However, if surgery is deemed necessary, physical therapy pre- and post-surgery can aid in the recovery process, helping you get back to normal quicker.
Stroke Recovery
After a stroke, it is common to experience the loss of or a decreased ability to perform certain motor functions. By focusing on the affected parts of the body and helping to boost their strength, physical therapy can aid in a speedier recovery following a stroke. A stroke often causes the loss of sensation and/or function on a single side of the body. By stimulating the associated muscles, physical therapy can increase the likelihood of voluntary movement. With strong motivation and a healthy regimen of physical therapy, it may be possible to retrain the brain and body to perform the tasks they could prior to the stroke.
Physical Therapy at San Simeon by the Sound
At San Simeon by the Sound, we provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy services every day of the week. Through our short-term rehabilitation program, our licensed physical therapists have helped many San Simeon residents regain the physical abilities they need to safely transition back into their community. Contact us today to learn more about all of the top-tier services available to our residents.
