4 Reasons to Consider Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help with pain, injuries, or mobility issues

Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients following surgery to regain strength and flexibility. Medical professionals may also consider physical therapy as a way to treat medical conditions, injuries or illnesses that result in pain or limit function or mobility.

This article reviews reasons to consider physical therapy and why it may be a safer alternative to other pain-reducing techniques.

Why consider physical therapy?

Physical therapy may be used in several different scenarios and is often a safer and less invasive way to treat symptoms without the use of medications. Here are 4 reasons to consider physical therapy:

1. Physical therapy is a safer way to manage pain.

Many doctors today prescribe opioid drugs (painkillers) to manage pain. In fact, the number of opioid prescriptions has quadrupled since 1999, resulting in a national health crisis. The CDC is now urging physicians to reduce the use of opioids for chronic pain and to recommend safer alternatives. Physical therapy treats pain through movement by helping patients improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It can be an effective and safer alternative to pain medication.

2. Physical therapy can help improve mobility.

No matter what your age, physical therapy can help restore your ability to move better. Whether your limited mobility is due to an acute injury, a stroke or the natural aging process, a customized treatment plan can target areas of weakness with strengthening and stretching exercises.

3. Physical therapy can address balance issues.

A lack of balance puts you at an increased risk of falling, which can lead to serious injury. Physical therapists can help you improve your balance and coordination, so you’ll be less likely to fall.

4. Physical therapy can help you avoid surgery.

While a physical therapy program may not be able to prevent every type of surgery, it may be a good alternative to surgery for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff injuries. Research also shows that treating back pain with physical therapy instead of surgery results in more favorable overall outcomes over the long term. Even if you do need surgery, physical therapy before and after surgery can help improve recovery outcomes.

Where can I receive physical therapy?

An added benefit of physical therapy is it can be received in a variety of settings. Based on what is available in their area, the patient has the ability to choose the location that works best for them. These locations might include:

Outpatient therapy:

This is an outpatient clinic that a patient must travel to in order to receive therapy services. Outpatient therapy by Knute Nelson offers physical therapy along with occupational and speech therapy to help individuals return to a functional lifestyle with minimal pain.

Short-term rehab:

Short-term rehab involves a temporary stay at a healthcare facility while you regain independence with the goal of returning home. Knute Nelson offers short-term rehab at our Care Center campus. Our state-of-the-art tools and equipment alongside our trained and professional staff help individuals regain strength and mobility to achieve their goals and return home as quickly as possible.

Home health care:

After an injury, illness, accident, or surgery many individuals would prefer to recover from the comfort of home. That is where home health care comes in. Knute Nelson Home Health Care provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy services along with skilled nursing, personal care and companionship, smart home technology, and more to help individuals recover and rehabilitate from the comfort of home.

Physical therapy from Knute Nelson

Knute Nelson is available to help individuals achieve their therapy goals in the place they choose. If you or a loved one is in need of physical therapy, please reach out to our team. Call (320) 421-0242 to discuss your options for care with a member of our team. We look forward to serving you.