What is Preventative Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is often a recommendation from physicians for patients who are experiencing pain or have an injury. However, physical therapy isn't limited to people who are injured -- in fact, physical therapy can provide you with a host of benefits and improve your overall health and wellness.

In this article, we'll explore preventative physical therapy and discuss the benefits of receiving physical therapy even if you're not currently in pain.

Preventative physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that is focused on preventing injuries or physical conditions from occurring or worsening. It involves taking proactive measures to promote physical health and function, rather than only addressing problems once they arise.

Preventative physical therapy may involve:

• Injury Prevention: Physical therapists can identify and address imbalances or weaknesses in the body that may increase the risk of injury. By improving strength, flexibility, and overall function, physical therapy can hep prevent injuries before they occur.
• Screening: Screening assessments are used to identify any potential issues before they become a problem. This may involve assessing mobility, strength, balance, and posture.
• Education: Providing education on proper body mechanics and movement patterns, as well as lifestyle modifications, can help prevent injury or physical conditions from developing.
• Exercise and Activity Programming: An exercise and activity program that is tailored to an individual's specific needs and goals can improve overall physical function and reduce the risk of injury or physical conditions from developing.

Preventative physical therapy is often recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing physical conditions or injuries, such as athletes, older adults, or individuals with chronic conditions. A physical therapist can do an evaluation to help determine if a person is at higher risk. However, anyone can benefit from physical therapy by taking proactive measures to promote their physical health and function.

In addition to preventing injuries or physical conditions from occurring, there are other benefits to receiving physical therapy, even when you're not in pain.

• Improved Function and Mobility: Improving overall function and mobility can be especially beneficial for older adults with chronic conditions. Physical therapy can also help individuals recover from surgery or illness and regain strength and mobility.
• Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes can optimize their physical performance with physical therapy by improving their strength, endurance, and flexibility. Physical therapists can also provide guidance on injury prevention strategies and help athletes recover from injuries and return to sports safely.
• Improved Balance and Coordination: Physical therapy can help improve balance and coordination, which can be especially important for older adults or individuals with neurological conditions.
• Management of Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease can benefit from physical therapy. By improving strength, flexibility, and overall function, physical therapy can help these individuals manage symptoms and maintain a higher quality of life.