We’re big believers in physical therapy at the Orthopedic Institute of North Texas. In fact, we’re proud to offer physical therapy services in addition to our world-class, surgical solutions.
Why? At OINT, we recognize there are many proven, evidence-based benefits of physical therapy, both as an alternative to surgery, and for post-surgery rehabilitation.
What can physical therapy help with? Why is physical therapy so important?
From pain relief, to injury prevention, from avoiding surgery, to improving your long-term health condition, here are six reasons why physical therapy is a non-invasive, cost-effective solution for your orthopedic needs.
1. Managing pain
Whether it’s age-related wear-and-tear that demands physical therapy for the hip, long-term, lingering pain that needs physical therapy for the knee, or helping you heal anywhere else in the body, physical therapy is an important part of managing pain.
A professional physical therapist can target areas of pain or discomfort, using a variety of techniques such as stretching, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises.
Patients who diligently follow these therapies can reduce or even eliminate their pain from injuries and chronic conditions, or as part of a recovery plan after surgery.
2. Preventing Injury and Promoting Long-Term Health
Think that physical therapy can only benefit you after an injury or to address an existing condition? You may be surprised to learn that physical therapy can actually help prevent injuries and chronic conditions. Not only that, but it can also promote long-term health and wellbeing.
After all, physical therapy is exercise, and the lifelong benefits of exercising are well established. Similar to yoga, pilates, and other stretching exercises, physical therapy addresses posture, promotes balance, improves movement and mobility, and strengthens weak areas.
Thanks to all of these benefits, a routine practice of physical therapy can help you prevent future injuries, stay active and healthy, and feel better.
3. Restoring Mobility and Function
Simply put, your body is meant to move. That is the point of the musculoskeletal system. So, anytime an injury or condition gets in the way of that movement, it can be extremely debilitating and frustrating, as well as incredibly painful.
Physical therapy can help anyone improve mobility, flexibility, and balance. While this is true for everyone, physical therapy is especially beneficial for people recovering from injury and surgery, or from normal, age-related wear-and-tear.
Wouldn’t it be nice to perform everyday activities without pain and discomfort? Doesn’t moving more effectively sound great? Physical therapy makes it possible, with targeted, individualized treatment plans for people’s specific needs.
4. Preparation For Surgery
You have heard of physical therapy for rehabilitation, or rehab. But what about physical therapy for prehabilitation, or prehab?
Prehabilitation is engaging in physical therapy before surgery. Prehabilitation can significantly improve your strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. Our surgeons also recommend prehabilitation because it can lead to better surgical outcomes and a faster recovery.
Prehabilitation can be especially beneficial for preparing patients with chronic issues for knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgery.
5. Receiving Personalized Care
At OINT, we pride ourselves on providing patient-centered orthopedic care. Our physical therapy services are further proof of our promise.
Our physical therapists work directly with our physicians to provide you a customized treatment plan built around your individual goals. Maybe it’s returning to work or sports after an injury, or simply improving your day-to-day quality of life.
Whatever your goals, your physical therapist will work with you one-on-one, at your pace, developing a flexible treatment plan, and even adjusting exercises and milestones, according to your progress.
We’re here to make sure you get better, and will take the time and put in the work to make it happen.
6. Alternatives to Surgery
This may sound strange coming from a team of orthopedic surgeons, but not every orthopedic injury or issue demands surgery.
In fact, while it’s well known that physical therapy is a critical part of rehabilitation after surgery, it can also be an alternative to surgery.
Physical therapy can help resolve pain, improve function, and promote healing, all without the need for invasive surgical intervention.
The reason? While surgery fixes musculoskeletal issues, physical therapy addresses the root causes by strengthening, stretching, and improving mobility and function.
Yes, there are many situations where surgery is absolutely necessary, such as severe fractures or trauma.
But sometimes the best solution isn’t surgery – it’s physical therapy.
With multiple convenient locations around the North Texas area, we’re here to help with your physical therapy needs.
Do you still have questions or would you like to know more? Please feel free to contact us. Our team is standing by, ready to serve however we can.
Want to try physical therapy as an alternative to surgery or post-surgery rehabilitation? Schedule an appointment with OINT today.