Is Physical Therapy Working? How to Know for Sure

When it comes to physical therapy, it's important to know if you're making progress. Learn how to identify a well-trained physical therapist and how passive treatments can help.

Is Physical Therapy Working? How to Know for Sure

When it comes to physical therapy, it's important to know if you're making progress. After each visit, you should notice improvements in movement and a reduction in pain. If you don't feel like you're making progress, it's important to share your concerns with your therapist. Most research studies indicate that active treatments, such as exercise and posture correction, are needed to treat many conditions. When searching for a physical therapist, it's important to find one who is well-trained and knowledgeable about current studies and effective treatment options that are supported by evidence.

A good therapist should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the new equipment and strategies that are most useful for your condition. If most of the time you spend with a therapist is spent sitting passively without a practical approach, it may be time to find a new therapist. A practical approach is essential in physical therapy, so a well-trained therapist must be well-equipped in this area. This includes being able to properly use sports tape to maintain a stable position of the bones and muscles. Doing activities without pain, swelling, or compensation at varying intensity levels helps the therapist determine your overall progress and willingness to return to work, practice, or play. Passive treatments, such as ice, heat, stimulation, traction, and ultrasound are an important component of your physical therapy program.

However, they should never be the only part of your treatment plan. To perform evaluations, the therapist may ask you to squat, lunge, jump, turn, run, or do other dynamic activities. This is done with the help of machines that measure and provide specific force variables. Physical therapy for pain relief takes time but it's always a worthwhile investment of time and energy. Each treatment program is tailored to the needs of each person so your results will be unique.

But overall, if you're suffering from pain you can mask it with medication or treat it at its source with physical therapy and eliminate it from your life.

Sean Mraz
Sean Mraz

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