If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, physical therapy makes it easier for you to go get those apples! Whether you’re trying to reach new heights on an apple tree, or you simply want a pain-free trip to the grocery store, physical therapy can help.
Check out these four ways the talented therapists at Fitness Physical Therapy can help you hasten recovery from injury or surgery, reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve your quality of life.
1. Reduce Arthritis Pain
Living with chronic pain is hard. So, Fitness PT is always on top of the latest technology and techniques to address it. “Through a combination of treatments, guided movement, and exercises, our goal is to reduce inflammation and pain and increase range of motion and strength,” says Dawn Campbell, MPT, who’s managed Fitness Physical Therapy for over 20 years. “Many people believe that they ‘just have to live with’ arthritis pain, but that is not always true. Physical therapy is a key component to maintaining the flexibility and motion that can decrease many of the painful symptoms of arthritis.”
2. Encourage Movement
Whether someone is dealing with chronic pain, injury recovery, or surgery rehab, movement is often part of the prescription for healing. But pain and discomfort can be like a big red “STOP” sign. That is where physical therapy comes in. “At Fitness PT, it is our job to gently guide patients through movements that will restore the range of motion and flexibility that can assist in decreasing their pain and restoring mobility,” says Campbell. “Reduced pain can lead to more movement, which in turn can reduce symptoms. It’s a cycle of recovery and healing that makes physical therapy such a gratifying part of orthopedics and medicine.”
3. Alleviate Balance and Dizziness
“Vestibular Therapy” is not a familiar term to many people. But it is often the key to unlocking issues with vertigo, dizziness, and balance loss caused by a wide range of disorders from Parkinson’s to concussions. “When patients are dealing with these issues, it is life-altering and can create a lot of mental anxiety on top of the physical difficulties,” says Campbell, who is certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation. “We start with a comprehensive evaluation and develop a treatment plan to address loss of strength and function and to restore balance. We want people to know that vestibular therapy is available at Fitness PT, and it can greatly improve quality of life for those struggling with these difficult symptoms.”
4. Build Strength and Endurance
There are a variety of reasons we lose strength and endurance, from injury and surgery to chronic pain and aging. But physical therapy can help you push past those reasons to restore strength, endurance, and vitality. “For example, when someone comes to us after shoulder surgery, they may think they’ll never lift weights again,” says Campbell. “But physical therapy allows for a guided, step-by-step approach that is customized for every patient and every circumstance. We may begin with simple range of motion movements, that lead to work with resistance bands, and ultimately allows for weightlifting again. We really are a team with our patients, we understand their goals, and work together to reach them.”
For more information about our physical therapists and programs, visit Bucks Ortho Fitness PT. To make an appointment give us a call at 215-918-5610. We can’t wait to help you get started!
