The lessons we can learn from Physical Therapy about our own body and our movement, can, literally, be life changing. Having persistent joint pain or body pain can be frustrating and demoralizing. It can have a profound impact on ALL aspects of our lives, as we may find we can no longer do the things that brought us joy or stress relief. At first, this may seem like a small annoyance, but with time the tension can build and our mental health can suffer. Naturally, we think that this deserves a trip to the doctor, and of course it does. But all too often I have seen the looks of disappointment when I suggest the treatment is physical therapy. What? No shot?? No medication?
Who needs Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy shouldn’t just be for those recovering from surgery or needing rehabilitation. For those of us that are active, we should have a good PT on speed dial to make sure our performance stays optimal without risking injury. For those of us that haven’t been active for a while, we should enter the world of movement and exercise with the guidance of a good PT. This will teach us where we may have imbalances and ways to correct them. I can not think of any situation in which a Physical Therapist isn’t helpful.
But it is important to understand that Physical Therapy isn’t a spa treatment. Just like any other treatment plan, it requires work and participation from the patient.
I wasn’t always so passionate about Physical Therapy. Yes, I had learned in my training about the importance, but it wasn’t until I needed PT and went through the ups and downs myself, that I really saw the power of what they were offering. It’s neither easy or a quick fix but it has changed the way I look at my own exercise and movement routines and it should be a part of your healthy living – longevity plan!
In good health,