What Is Physical Therapy?

In 2024, 2,488,400 workers in the U.S. were affected by workplace injuries or illnesses. While this is a significant number, those affected by workplace injuries or illnesses are only a fraction of the people dealing with injuries or illnesses each year. In 2022, over 26 million people sought treatment in emergency rooms, a figure that does not include those who sought treatment from their primary care physician.

If you’re suffering from an illness or injury, you may have been referred to a physical therapist for treatment. To understand the reasons for the referral and the potential health benefits, let’s look at the definition of physical therapy, explore what physical therapy is, and what you can expect from physical therapy.

What Is Physical Therapy? What Treatments and Techniques Are Used in Physical Therapy? 

Physical therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment. It may involve any or all of the following treatments and techniques:

• Cold therapy
• Heat therapy
• Exercises
• Manual manipulation
• Soft tissue massage

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists must complete several years of post-secondary training and be licensed. A physical therapist evaluates patients and identifies the issues causing them pain or affecting their mobility. Physical therapists develop treatment plans to address those issues. Physical therapists also explain each patient’s condition and teach them how to manage it.

During a therapy session, your physical therapist will demonstrate how to perform exercises that will help improve your condition. The treatment is designed to help you achieve your treatment goals, which could be to:

• Prevent injury
• Reduce pain
• Restore mobility

What Conditions Can Physical Therapy Help Treat?

Physical therapy is part of an effective treatment plan for a range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Balance issues
• Broken bones
• Bursitis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Pain (back, foot, neck, etc.)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Sprains
• Strains
• Stroke
• Torn/damaged ligaments or muscles

Physical therapy is also an essential part of the recovery process for many who’ve had surgery. For example, people who’ve had knee or hip replacements will regain mobility and restore their quality of life faster with physical therapy.

Who Can Benefit From Physical Therapy?

Some may need physical therapy for work injury recovery. Others who benefit from physical therapy include:

• Those affected by illnesses affecting their balance and mobility, such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
• Those affected by workplace injuries and illnesses, such as concussions or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Those who’ve suffered an injury, such as a broken bone, dislocated bone, or sprain.

People affected by pain when moving can also benefit from physical therapy.

How Does Physical Therapy Help With Pain and Mobility?

If you’re affected by pain or mobility issues, you may wonder what physical therapy can do for you. To understand the benefits, it helps to know what each physical therapy treatment method does.

Cold therapy can help reduce swelling. Since swelling can limit your range of motion and cause pain, reducing it can improve mobility and manage pain.

Heat therapy can increase blood flow, which promotes healing. This can help with your long-term recovery.

During your sessions, you may also learn to complete exercises that strengthen muscles around an injury, which can reduce strain.

Additionally, physical therapists use manual modifications and massage to reduce stiffness.

What Happens During a Physical Therapy Session?

During your physical therapy session, you’ll perform stretches and exercises. Your physical therapist will assess your form and provide any pointers needed to perform each movement correctly. Your physical therapist will also determine whether you’ve increased your range of motion and whether you’re ready to incorporate new exercises into your treatment.

Your physical therapist will also introduce new exercises when you’re ready, and will show you how to perform them correctly. Additionally, they may use manual manipulation to reduce strain, and you may receive heat or cold therapy, depending on the nature of your health issues.

What Should You Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment?

The first time you see a physical therapist, you’ll have an evaluation. You’ll meet with a licensed physical therapist, and your session will involve explaining your health issues, answering questions, and a physical evaluation.

The physical therapist will then have you perform specific movements. Watching you move allows them to assess your range of motion and the location of your injury. The physical therapist will also assess your strength and balance.

Your session may also involve reflex testing, which indicates how well your nerves respond to stimulation. Physical therapists may also evaluate things like facial movements, particularly if you suffered a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

After the assessment, the physical therapist identifies treatment goals and develops a treatment plan to support your recovery.

Since your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment to determine the nature and severity of your issues, it’s typically longer than a regular appointment. It may take 90 minutes.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?

Regular physical therapy appointments typically last 45 to 60 minutes.

How many weeks you’ll need physical therapy treatment depends on the severity of your condition, the frequency of your sessions, and how often you complete assigned exercises between sessions.

Some individuals may recover in six weeks, while others may need to continue sessions for three months or more.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

You should see a physical therapist if a doctor refers you because of an injury or illness.

If you start having pain when you move and it doesn’t lessen within a few days, you could also benefit from physical therapy.

Other reasons to see a physical therapist include:

• Balance issues
• Difficulty moving
• Prolonged stiffness
• Weakness affecting your ability to perform regular tasks
• You’ve had a stroke

You should also see a physical therapist if you’ve been diagnosed with an illness that can affect your balance or mobility, such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease.

Can Physical Therapy Help You Avoid Surgery?

Yes, physical therapy can help you avoid surgery. In some cases, physical therapy can build muscle strength, reduce joint strain, and prevent the need for surgery. Physical therapists also teach people how to correct their posture and gait, which can also help prevent the need for surgery.

How Can ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Help Prevent Future Injuries?

ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic specializes in providing expert medical care for those recovering from illness and injuries, and those who want to prevent future issues.

Our treatments and services include treatment plans for those affected by or recovering from:

• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Balance disorders
• Joint replacement
• Obesity
• Pain
• Spinal cord injury
• Sports injury
• Stroke
• Surgery
• Type II diabetes

If you need help managing a chronic health issue, restoring your mobility or balance, or managing pain, you can schedule an appointment for an initial consultation and assessment to learn how we can help.