4 Types Of Physical Therapy That Can Help You Make A Quick Recovery
When you're recovering after an injury or surgery, your muscles may lose strength due to lack of use. Physical therapy can help you strengthen these muscles in a safe and gradual way, under the care of a knowledgeable physical therapist. Here are four specific types of physical therapy that can help you make a quick recovery:
1. General Physical Therapy
During general physical therapy, your physical therapist will give you exercises meant to target your afflicted area. They may also give you exercises that strengthen muscles that support your injured area. You can expect to work hard in physical therapy, but your therapist won't push you past your limits. Not all physical therapy happens at the gym. Your physical therapist will probably give you a list of exercises and stretches to perform between PT appointments. It's important that you follow all their directions. This homework will keep your body conditioned and help your recovery progress faster.
2. Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses the same principles as land-based therapy. You'll be given stretches and various exercises to perform in a swimming pool. The addition of water can help anyone who has trouble bearing their own weight. This is especially useful for anyone with knee or foot pain, since it can allow them to exercise their lower body in a low-impact environment. Aquatic therapy can be combined with other types of physical therapy for best results.
3. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can be a valuable part of physical therapy. That's especially true for anyone with back pain or anyone injured in a car accident. Chiropractors specialize in spinal care. Injury and pain can cause your spine to move out of alignment, which can lead to posture problems and weakness. Your chiropractor will manually realign your spine, which can increase your range of motion and give you freedom from pain.
4. Massage Therapy
Both chiropractors and physical therapists often use massage as part of their treatment. When you have any kind of injury, the surrounding muscles often tense up in order to compensate. Over time, this can lead to more pain. Massage given during physical therapy isn't meant for relaxation; it's targeted in order to loosen injured muscles. You may experience discomfort during therapeutic massage, but you should never experience pain. Communicate with your massage therapist and make sure to let them know if they're using too much pressure.