Think back to a time when you were sick with a cold, the flu or even COVID-19. We readily recognize how a communicable illness can take you down and out of commission temporarily, but what about when your body is dealing with an orthopedic issue?  Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply want to improve your mobility and strength, all of these impact the way that you go about your daily life in the way that you are used to. Maybe you suddenly need help to reach the top shelf in your kitchen, feel unsteady getting in and out of the shower or tub, have trouble carrying groceries into the house on your own,  cannot enjoy long walks with your friends or spouse – or maybe you have begun to notice that slowly over time you cannot do X like you used to. Sound familiar? These limitations add up and impact our independence and quality of life. This is where Physical Therapy comes in. 

Let’s discuss some of the ways physical therapy can improve your quality of life and why it’s important to consider this treatment option.

  • Improved Mobility: One of the main benefits of physical therapy is improved mobility. This can be especially important for those who have had an injury or surgery that has limited their movement. Physical therapists can create personalized treatment plans that include exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. By working with a physical therapist, you can regain your ability to move comfortably and confidently.
  • Decreased Pain: Physical therapy can also be effective in reducing pain. Many suffer from chronic pain due to conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other musculoskeletal disorders. Physical therapists can use various techniques such as massage, heat or ice therapy, and therapeutic exercises to manage pain and reduce inflammation. PTs can assist in stretching and strengthening muscles and joints so that they are better equipped to support and alleviate pain, allowing for decreased discomfort and a better quality of life.
  • Improved Balance and Coordination: Physical therapy can also help improve balance and coordination. This is especially important for older adults who may be at a higher risk of falls due to decreased strength and mobility. PTs create customized treatment plans that focus on increasing balance and coordination through exercises such as walking on uneven surfaces and practicing balance exercises performed on unstable surfaces. Improved balance and coordination can reduce the risk of falls and can help restore a sense of confidence and independence.
  • Mental Health Benefits: It’s important to understand that physical therapy is not only beneficial for the body, but also for the mind. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, physical therapy can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment as progress is made throughout treatment. Sessions with a physical therapist can also serve as a positive outlet to talk about any concerns, making it an all-around holistic treatment. Getting back to your daily life with normalcy and confidence and enjoying recreation without fear of pain or injury is also great for our mental health. Life is short and we should all be able to enjoy it freely without those concerns!
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Lastly, it’s important to highlight that Onondaga Physical Therapy does not offer one-size-fits-all treatment. Our PTs tailor their treatments to each individual patient’s needs and goals. An initial evaluation will help the therapist identify movement dysfunctions and alignment issues and work on a customized treatment plan for each individual patient’s specific needs. This patient-centered approach helps to ensure the most effective and appropriate treatment and can improve outcomes. As we just talked about above – each patient has unique routines, daily life and routines and recreation that they enjoy and need to get back to doing. Each one of our patients’ share these things with their therapist and the goals in the treatment plan are centered around you returning to those very specific activities without pain or limitation.  Your exercises may mimic those motions to strengthen your body accordingly, or at some point, you might even practice getting that item from the top shelf in your kitchen as part of your treatment, or practice the movements you need to improve to get in and out of the car or shower safely on your own. A PT’s goal is to progress your treatment accordingly to get you there. 

Physical therapy can be a game-changer for those wanting to improve their quality of life. It has the potential to enhance mobility, decrease pain, and improve balance and coordination while addressing the physical and mental aspects of treatment. Seeing a physical therapist can provide long-term benefits, tailored to suit your specific needs and goals. It’s important to consider physical therapy as an option for your treatment, especially if you want to be proactive about your health and overall well-being.