What Is Physical Therapy And Where Can You Get It?

Physical therapy is a common treatment option for those who have been injured or are struggling to do their day-to-day activities. If your doctor decides that you need physical therapy, this means there is some improvement to be made to your physical health. 

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a type of treatment that is provided by a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapy can be a crucial step in the rehabilitation process. Physical therapy was designed to help a patient with some of the following:

  • Pain management
  • Improving balance
  • Improving range of motion
  • Managing certain chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, arthritis, etc.)
  • Preventing disability

In some cases, physical therapy may be paired with occupational therapy to ensure you get the best results from your treatment. 

What Does Physical Therapy Entail?

When you first begin physical therapy, your therapist will have to evaluate you and complete some tests to determine a goal for your health. After the evaluation is complete, your therapist will come up with a treatment plan to get you to your goal. 

Your physical therapist may use some of the following strategies to get you to your goal: 

  • Guided stretches (to help you with your range of motion) 
  • Massages (for pain relief)
  • Hot or cold therapy (for pain relief)
  • Strength training (to help with your range of motion and balance)

Your physical therapist can also help you get acquainted with a new tool if needed. For example, if you were in a car accident and ended up needing a leg amputation, you would need to get used to a wheelchair and/or a prosthetic leg. Your physical therapist will help you get used to living with these new things. 

Where Can You Receive Physical Therapy Treatment?

It is very common for physical therapists to travel due to the nature of the treatment. Your physical therapy can be done in a variety of places, including at school, work, home, the hospital, and a nursing home or assisted living home. Some physical therapists may have their own clinic or office that you can go to if you are able to travel. 

Is Physical Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Physical therapy can be partially or wholly covered by insurance. Though your doctor will need to provide documentation to your insurance company to prove that the physical therapy treatment is medically necessary before your insurance will pay a dime. Depending on your insurance plan, your insurance provider may still decline to pay for the services even with documentation from your doctor. Looking into your insurance plan before a new treatment is important. 

Contact a local physical therapy service to learn more. 


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