National Physical Therapy Month

Oct 1

Often, physical therapy is associated with injury, but that is not the only case where physical therapy is helpful. Because physical therapy focuses on gross motor function, the goal is to help maximize independence and safety in mobility. As with other therapeutic intervention, physical therapy is individualized and unique to each specific person. Learn more about physical therapy’s role in rehabilitation, pain management, and more.

Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?

A physical therapist can work with an individual to improve range of motion, strength, static and dynamic balance, postural control and stability, motor coordination, endurance, walking and running patterns, and safety, and assist a patient’s mobility and function. Patient or caregiver training is an important part of the role of the physical therapist so they are able to carry over the treatment plan into their normal routine.

Some individuals have sustained an injury and seek physical therapy for rehabilitation to their previous state. Whether you have or have not suffered an injury, physical therapy can help you learn about injury prevention and help you develop goals relating to prevention. Others maybe be looking for ways to incorporate treatment for pain management for chronic illness.

Education of Physical Therapists

To become a physical therapist, one must complete coursework through an accredited institution along with the specific guidelines of the state where they will treat patients. Many therapists will continue their education with advanced degrees and additional specialities and certifications.

What Conditions Can Physical Therapy Help With?

Many common conditions present themselves when physical therapy can provide the treatment.

Carpal tunnel

A common condition, carpal tunnel can be treated by a physical therapist with hand therapy and specific exercises to prevent the condition in the future.

Neurological conditions

When someone experiences a stroke or develops Parkinson’s disease, the result can present challenges with physical movement. Physical therapists can assess your condition to develop the best treatment plan and goals to work toward.

Musculoskeletal conditions

Back pain is quite common with adults and can present significant problems in someone’s everyday routine. Physical therapists can work on pain management for back pain as well as other musculoskeletal conditions like TMJ.

Avoiding surgery

Physical therapy can potentially provide benefit for someone who is looking to avoid surgery. For those with injuries, surgery can often become a complicated path to navigate. In some cases, physical therapists will assess their patient’s ability to reach their maximum level of independence and work toward avoiding surgery.

Fall prevention

Seniors can work with a physical therapist to assess their strength and gain knowledge of how they can help themselves prevent a fall. They can help develop a routine to reduce the risk of falls or help individuals feel confident in their bodies through strengthening or agility exercises.

Osteoporosis

Fragile bones can lead to painful fractures or breaks, and a physical therapist can help address the current condition and help you develop a practice to prevent future injury.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Women can experience pelvic floor dysfunction but through developing, posture and strength can work with a physical therapist to alleviate the problem.

How to Find a Physical Therapist

You may receive a referral to a physical therapist or you may choose to seek treatment yourself. Look to your community for a qualified individual to help you develop your goals. You can talk to your healthcare professionals about their recommendations for physical therapy near you. It is important that you feel confident and positive about the healthcare professionals you surround yourself with while you work on regaining strength or independence.

Where You Can Find Tilton’s Therapists

Our physical therapy services are available for patients in a few different regions around the US. Find physical therapy services in Southern Nevada, Northern Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii. Our physical therapists provide evaluation, intervention, and family-centered home programs in the following areas of focus:

Gross motor development & rehabilitation
Muscle tone and strength
Posture and body alignment
Head/neck posture
Torticollis
Balance and stability
Pre-gait and gait training
Locomotion patterns (walking, running etc.)
Gross motor coordination
Neuromuscular function
Endurance
Safety
Orthotics/bracing referrals
Joint rehabilitation & recovery after injury or surgery
Transfer training
Mobility & assistive device fitting & referrals

Learn more about our physical therapists! Find our feature on one of our wonderful physical therapists, Erin Oelklaus to learn about her education and experience working in this industry.

For more information or to register a new patient, review our patient information and contact us with any questions you may have.