When many people think of physical therapy they usually picture injured athletes in training or those recovering from serious injury. But the benefits of PT extend far beyond these types of cases. People of all ages and backgrounds see physical therapists to ease pain, improve movement and live healthier lives. Here are some signs it’s time to contact a La Clinica Physical Therapy.
Your Daily Activities are Compromised
When the pain you’re experiencing prevents you from doing the things that you enjoy (like walking your dog or working in the garden), it may be time to call a physical therapist. Whether it’s a nagging injury or repetitive strain injuries like accidentes de trabajo or carpal tunnel PT can help reduce the inflammation and increase your strength to help you get back to doing the things you love.
Over-the-Counter Medications aren’t Controlling your Symptoms
Even if you’re accustomed to the occasional aches and pains that accompany everyday life, sharp pain that persists or over-the-counter medications aren’t helping to control your symptoms may indicate you need to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist. In addition, if your injury doesn’t respond to proper treatment it may worsen over time.
Your Daily Tasks are Becoming more Difficult or Painful
If you’re having trouble lifting your child or grandchild, walking up or down the stairs or getting in and out of your car because of pain in your lower back, neck, knees or shoulder, it’s probably time to contact a physical therapist. PT can help with ergonomic training exercise and other techniques to strengthen your body’s support structures and reduce the risk of future injuries.
You’ve been Feeling Dizzy or Disoriented on a Regular Basis
Dizziness and vertigo are common conditions that can be relieved by physical therapy, particularly vestibular disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV can cause you to feel as if your world is spinning when you move. Physical therapists are specially trained to treat this condition using methods including maneuver and gaze stabilization exercises.
Your Therapist isn’t Meeting your Expectations
If the therapist you’re seeing doesn’t seem to be making a difference in your symptoms or is taking more than 30 minutes of your 60-minute session for passive treatments like heat, ultrasound or general massage it might be time to find another therapist. You should also be receiving clear instructions for the exercises and treatments you’re supposed to perform at home, such as a handout or link to a video that shows how to do the movements correctly.
Physical therapists are licensed health professionals who focus on the musculoskeletal system but can also work with other body systems depending on their specialty. They are experts in pain management and can help you live a happier more active life by reducing or eliminating your chronic aches and pains. They are trained to identify the root causes of your pain and can design both in-office and at-home treatment programs to get you on the road to recovery.