Adding exercise and physical therapy (PT) into your routine can help boost your mood, health, and overall well-being. According to the World Health Organization, one in three people are living with a health condition that could benefit from rehabilitation and physical therapy. The organization expects rehabilitation needs to grow in the coming years as populations continue to age.
General Benefits of PT
PT is typically done in an outpatient office setting. Amy Vtipil, a PT expert from Allegheny Health Network (AHN), said there are a variety of PT advantages for patients with various medical conditions. For example, orthopedic patients can significantly improve their recovery post-surgery or injury through targeted exercises that enhance mobility and strength. Another example is neurological patients who have experienced a stroke or have Parkinson’s disease; they can benefit from specialized therapies that focus on restoring movement patterns and functional independence. Additionally, individuals with balance and dizziness disorders can regain stability and confidence while also reducing the risk of falling. AHN’s Women’s Health arena can assist in pelvic floor and abdominal dysfunction impacting everyday life.
How to Know if You Need PT
If performing usual daily activities becomes troublesome, individuals are recommended to seek out PT services. Some situations may include trouble moving due to pain or injury, weakness or loss of balance.
According to Sarah Eayre, owner and founder of Baby Steps PGH, any child, even those without a diagnosis or developmental delay, can benefit from the lessons learned through a play-based pediatric physical therapy session. This program is not typically centered around specific exercises, stretches, or reps; it focuses more on the child’s ability to participate in their world more meaningfully, often through play. This type of program integrates toys, games, and other hands-on activities to engage children while addressing any physical challenges. Infant positioning or early walking skills are some of the play-based sessions that Eayre offers.
In general, a therapist will evaluate the patient and recommend an opinion on areas of the body that can be improved with PT.
PT for Kids
When it comes to children, providing PT at a young age has a multitude of benefits, as they can begin working on their motor skills. “PT can promote symmetry in body movement and strength, which can impact the entire body function throughout a child’s entire life,” said Eayre. “Whether it’s assisting with torticollis (tightness in one side of the neck), foot positioning, hip and leg development, or trunk stability, it’s all connected. Each area can affect another area of the body.” Eayre added that parents are typically the ones who initiate concerns about their child’s development. “Parents know their children best and may bring a concern to their pediatrician or directly to me. While kids reach milestones differently, it’s important that a child does not fall too far behind; otherwise, it will continue to delay each subsequent milestone and affect their learning and development.”
Benefits of PT for athletic teens and adults
Physical therapy can provide sports benefits for teens and adults by improving strength, coordination, flexibility, injury prevention, and improving sport-specific training. AHN PT experts Vtipil and Jodi Weiher often see patients improve their skills on the field or court after a session. An athlete can go to physical therapy at any AHN location. Additionally, sports performance services from AHN are available at their Wexford Plaza, Cool Springs, and Montour locations.
PT and Quality of Life
“Physical therapy provides a multidirectional approach to improving an individual’s quality of life,” said Weiher. She explained that when a patient arrives for their first PT visit, an initial examination is performed to assess areas that need improvement. After this initial appointment, the therapist creates a unique plan of exercises specific to that individual’s needs. “We talk about goals that are important to the individual and incorporate those into the treatment plan. Goals can include developing pain management skills, improving strength and mobility, bettering sleep patterns, increasing energy levels and developing a better overall quality of life.” She added that PT can reduce the need for long-term medication use and improve mental health due to the release of endorphins during exercise. “As more of the population is looking for more natural or holistic treatments, many don’t realize the benefits of physical therapy.”
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