7 Things You May Not Know a Physical Therapist Treats

Physical therapists play a crucial role in health care. Their services and expertise can be extremely effective in preventing injuries, strengthening muscles, and helping someone recover from a surgery or injury. Physical therapists can be helpful for a wide variety of needs.  Many people don’t realize all the things that physical therapists treat.

We’ve compiled a list of some situations for which a physical therapist can be helpful below to help you determine if physical therapy might be good for you.

1. Ankle injuries 

One of the most common problems athletes of any kind experience are ankle injuries. Many sports put a lot of pressure and strain on the ankles, and one wrong step or landing from a jump can cause painful injuries that keep athletes off the field or track for extended amounts of time.

Physical therapists can help people recover from ankle injuries through strength-building exercises and very specific movements.  They can also help people prevent injuries and help alleviate the discomfort associated with chronic pain that may be due to repeated injuries.

2. Hip pain and injuries

Hip pain can affect people of any age. A physical therapist will develop a plan specific to your needs.  Focus will be put on strengthening and stabilizing the muscles around your hip. Physical therapy is usually recommended for those who have hip-related surgeriesas well.

3. Herniated disk

You could get a herniated disk if your back and core muscles are weak, or if you don’t use them properly. A physical therapist will work with you to develop good habits, posture, and strength which will all help you prevent re-injury.

4. Knee pain and injuries 

Often, knee health and functionality depend on the joints below and above the knee – the ankle and hip joints.  If one of these joints is injured or weak, the knee is forced to work harder and bear more weight, which can cause injury. A physical therapist will consider your ankle, hip, and knee joints when addressing knee pain.

Physical Therapists also commonly treat ACL injuries and reconstructive surgery as part of the recovery process.  They can sometimes even help rehabilitate ACL injuries without the need for surgery.

5. Vertigo

One of the most surprising things that physical therapy can help with is vertigo. If you frequently experience dizziness, a physical therapist may be able to help by using certain head movements and exercises.  This can stop the brain from sending out abnormal balance signals.

6. Back pain

Back pain, especially lower back pain, is one of the most common problems people experience in their lifetimes. A physical therapist will be able to help determine the cause of your pain.  From there, the proper physical therapy techniques can be applied to help relieve pain.

7. Shoulder injuries

There are many kinds of shoulder injuries, and there are a variety of ways they can be treated. Shoulder injuries and pain can disrupt everyday activities because of the pain and discomfort they cause. Often, some simple exercises or information about posture and movement can make a big difference.

Elite Physical Therapies’ team at Crisp Regional Hospital is here to offer you the best physical therapy care for whatever needs you have, helping you live a healthy, pain-free life.