We understand that, after an injury, our demand will want us to go out and seize the day. Truthfully, the recovery process does not end after the splint or brace is taken off. You must take into consideration how inactive your muscles and joints have been during this long healing process. Going to physical therapy will allow your affected limbs to be nursed back to health and trained to handle the real world once again. Advanced procedures like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may also be used to rapidly increase the rate of recovery.
An assessment with a physical therapist specialist will involve rebuilding certain parts of the body to reduce pain. We all may have habits in posture and movements that will exacerbate pain, so therapy sessions will work to correct the habits to prevent further damage. Stretches, exercises, and specialized training equipment may be used during the entire process. Those that play sports will also be trained in proper pre-workout stretching to avoid pain during training.
Avoiding additional surgery
If the physical therapy program allows an injury to heal without any more pain, then your doctor will likely dismiss the idea of surgery. Even if surgery will still be required, your body will be in better shape to survive the rough recovery process afterward. The small investment of pre-surgery physical therapy will only save money in the long term.
If you want to get back into the workplace, you will want to retain the ability to walk and perform basic tasks. Your physical therapist will give you exercises to help your stretch and strengthen your body so that you can move again. You may also be prescribed assisted devices like crutches or canes.
Identifying weaknesses in the body
Physical therapists are experts in identifying neglected muscle groups that are lagging the biomechanics of your body. After being assessed, they will formulate treatment plans to strengthen the weak parts to reduce overall pain. Lagging muscle groups that are unrelated to your injury may very well be indirectly hindering your recovery. Underdeveloped muscle groups may even have been the culprit for the original surgery, and your PT will be able to determine that.
Being involved with post-surgery rehabilitation
It has been proven that patients actively involved with a physical therapist will have higher chances of recovering from medical procedures. Your PT will be able to assess what type of pain to expect after the procedure and how to mitigate it. A plan will also be formulated to strengthen the body both prior and after the surgery.
Physical therapists will try to get an idea of the root cause of the injury to find ways to prevent them. Adjustments to your lifestyle and routine may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The knowledge that you gain will last a lifetime, allowing you to start implementing habits that are healthier for your joints and muscles
If you are suffering foot or ankle pain and would like to schedule an appointment with Sweeney Foot & Ankle, contact us today.