When Can I Expect Results From Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is an extremely useful medical practice that can drastically improve the lives of its patients. However, physical therapy looks very different from patient to patient, and the length of treatment greatly depends on the type of injury and a variety of other personal factors.
How do I get started with physical therapy?
In your initial appointment with your physical therapist, he or she will perform a comprehensive physical assessment to evaluate what your needs are. This typically includes tests that assess strength, balance, and range of motion, and these tests will let your physical therapist know what is working properly and what needs extra care. After completing the tests, your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will meet all of your needs to maximize the improvement of your physical performance and quality of life.
How long will it take to see results?
Most physical therapy treatment plans range from several months to a year, with the length of the plan greatly depending on personal details like:
- Type of injury/surgery
- Age
- Medical history
- Medications currently being taken
- Diet
- Posture
- Daily activity level
- Smoking/drinking habits
As you can see, this list includes some uncontrollable factors such as age, type of injury sustained, type of surgery performed, and medical history. However, there are many personal choices that can affect the success of a physical therapy program, like diet, posture, smoking, and drinking. Some factors, like current medications and daily activity level, fall into a gray area as the level of control that patients have over these things can vary greatly based on multiple elements.
How can I improve my results?
Whether your particular treatment plan is aiming to increase mobility, develop strength, improve balance, or a combination of all three, the surest way to see positive results in those areas faster is to stick to the plan.
When developing your treatment plan, your physical therapist will take into account your medical history, medications, injuries, and preferred lifestyle, designing a strategy that is unique to you and your personal needs. The closer you stick to your physical therapist’s treatment plan, which includes attending all sessions as well as doing any recommended exercises at home and avoiding harmful habits, the sooner you will see marked improvements in your mobility, strength, balance, and overall health.
Looking for high-quality, compassionate physical therapy to meet all of your needs? Contact us today at: https://cyticlinics.com/contact/
