Physical therapy, often referred to as PT, is a healthcare discipline dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the overall health and functional abilities of people across various age groups. Practitioners in the field of PT employ well-established scientific methods to help individuals manage pain, improve their movement, build strength, and expand their range of motion. Additionally, they prioritize the prevention of injuries and disabilities. Physical therapy is a highly advantageous approach for addressing various conditions, effectively alleviating discomfort, promoting improved mobility, and restoring personal independence. Moreover, PT plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and disabilities.
How Quickly Does Physical Therapy Work?
While it’s impossible to provide a definite time frame for pain relief through physical therapy, you can find comfort that it begins to have an impact immediately. The duration of your healing process relates to factors such as age, the nature of your injury, and how you care for your body following PT sessions. Given the uniqueness of each patient’s circumstances, there’s no fixed or guaranteed timeline for completing your physical therapy. Typically, physical therapy sessions with a therapist last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, occurring 2 or 3 times per week. Still, the overall treatment may extend over a month or even several months to yield results.
Reasons to Visit a Physical Therapist
There are several reasons to visit a physical therapist, including:
Back Pain – Physical therapy serves as an effective, non-invasive alternative for individuals dealing with back pain. Your physical therapist will collaborate with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific symptoms, which may include techniques like stretching, massage, and therapeutic exercises.
Whiplash/Neck Pain – Many people in car accidents experience whiplash, characterized by rapid and forceful back-and-forth neck movements, leading to strain. Whiplash often results in discomfort in the back or neck, headaches, and migraines. Physical therapy and rehabilitation offer successful treatments for whiplash, employing methods like stretching, exercises to enhance range of motion, and massage.
ACL Tears – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is a vital ligament, susceptible to tearing in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, such as basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer. While physical therapy cannot fully restore a torn ACL, it plays a pivotal role in the recovery process by reducing pain and aiding the restoration of full joint mobility.
Arthritis – Arthritis primarily comes in two forms: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks joint linings, leading to swelling and inflammation. Conversely, osteoarthritis usually develops over time due to repetitive everyday use, although injury or infections can also contribute. Physical therapy effectively reduces arthritis-induced pain and enhances joint function.
Established by Dr. Eung Kwon Kim, Kim Chiropractic & Rehab and First Imaging Center is the most enduring chiropractic practice in the Washington metropolitan vicinity. With offices situated in Rockville, MD, Columbia, MD, and Centreville, VA, Dr. Kim’s clinics have been serving the community for over 22 years. His initial clinic in Rockville, MD, opened more than two decades ago, driven by the aspiration to ensure the well-being and pain-free lives of his local community members.
