Physical therapy is a movement-focused approach designed to improve physical function and make specific activities easier to perform. Treatment may focus on strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, coordination, endurance, range of motion, or other areas of movement depending on a person's needs and goals.
A physical therapy program is developed around the individual's current physical abilities and the movements or activities they want to improve. Treatment may include therapeutic exercises, movement training, education, and other techniques selected according to the person's goals and progress.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on improving how the body moves and performs specific physical tasks. A physical therapist evaluates movement and physical abilities to identify areas that may benefit from targeted treatment and develops a plan around specific functional goals.
These goals may include improving:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Joint mobility
- Balance
- Coordination
- Endurance
- Range of motion
- Ability to perform specific activities
Physical therapy may be used when movement or physical function has been affected by an injury, illness, surgery, or another physical limitation. Treatment is centered on helping a person work toward specific improvements in movement and function.
What Does Physical Therapy Focus On?
Physical therapy is centered on specific movement and functional needs rather than a single exercise or technique. Treatment is adjusted according to the areas that need improvement and how a person responds as the program progresses.
Strength
Targeted strengthening exercises can help improve the ability of muscles to support movement and perform physical activities. Exercises may be adjusted as strength and physical capacity change.
Flexibility and Mobility
Limited flexibility or mobility can make certain movements more difficult. Physical therapy may incorporate stretching and movement exercises designed to improve mobility and support more comfortable movement.
Balance and Coordination
Balance and coordination are important for walking, changing positions, and performing many everyday activities. A physical therapy program may include exercises that challenge these abilities in a controlled manner.
Endurance
Some physical activities require sustained effort. Physical therapy may incorporate progressive activities designed to improve endurance and physical tolerance.
Functional Movement
Physical therapy can focus on movements that are directly relevant to specific activities. Depending on the individual's goals, this may include walking, changing positions, using stairs, reaching, lifting, or other functional movements.
What Happens During Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy begins with an evaluation of physical abilities, movement, symptoms, and relevant daily activities. The physical therapist uses this information to identify areas that may benefit from targeted treatment and establish appropriate goals.
A physical therapy program may include:
- Evaluation: The physical therapist reviews relevant health information and assesses movement and physical function.
- Goal setting: Treatment goals are established around specific functional needs and areas for improvement.
- Treatment planning: Exercises and other appropriate techniques are selected based on the evaluation and established goals.
- Guided treatment: The physical therapist teaches and supervises exercises and movements to help ensure they are performed appropriately.
- Progression: Exercises and activities can be adjusted as physical abilities change.
- Reassessment: Progress is reviewed to determine whether the treatment approach should be continued or modified.
The specific structure of treatment depends on the individual's needs, physical abilities, goals, and response to therapy.
Physical Therapy Exercises
Exercise is an important component of many physical therapy programs. Rather than using the same routine for everyone, exercises are selected according to the person's current abilities and functional goals.
Exercises may include:
- Stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Core exercises
- Mobility exercises
- Balance exercises
- Coordination exercises
- Walking and functional movement exercises
- Endurance activities
A physical therapist can demonstrate appropriate movement and exercise techniques and provide instructions for activities that may be performed independently between sessions.
Exercises may also be modified as strength, mobility, balance, endurance, and movement abilities change.
The goal is not simply to complete an exercise. Each activity should have a purpose related to the person's physical function and established treatment goals.
Physical Therapy and Daily Activities
Changes in strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, or coordination can affect specific daily activities. Physical therapy may therefore incorporate movements that relate directly to the tasks a person needs or wants to perform.
Depending on the individual's needs, treatment may address activities such as:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Standing and sitting
- Getting in and out of a chair
- Reaching
- Lifting
- Maintaining balance
- Performing other routine movements
Connecting exercises and movement training to functional activities helps keep treatment focused on practical improvements.
Physical Therapy and Education
Education is an important part of physical therapy. Understanding how to perform movements and exercises correctly can help a person participate more effectively in an individualized treatment program.
Education may address:
- Proper exercise technique
- Safe movement patterns
- How to perform specific activities
- Appropriate use of assistive devices when needed
- Exercises to practice between sessions
- Ways to modify activities according to current abilities
A physical therapist can also explain how a particular exercise or activity relates to the person's treatment goals.
How Physical Therapy Programs Progress
Physical therapy can change as a person's movement and physical abilities change. Exercises and activities may be adjusted to reflect current strength, mobility, balance, coordination, endurance, and functional ability.
Progression may involve changes to:
- Exercise difficulty
- Number of repetitions
- Resistance
- Range of movement
- Balance or coordination demands
- Functional activity demands
The appropriate progression depends on the individual's response to treatment and the goals established during the evaluation.
When May Physical Therapy Be Appropriate?
Physical therapy may be considered when a person is experiencing difficulty with movement, physical function, or specific activities.
It may be used when physical abilities have changed following an injury, illness, surgery, or another circumstance affecting movement. It may also be appropriate when a person needs help improving a particular aspect of physical function, such as strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, coordination, or endurance.
A physical therapy evaluation can help identify areas of movement or function that may benefit from targeted treatment and establish appropriate goals.
What to Expect From a Physical Therapy Program
Physical therapy is individualized. The exercises, activities, and techniques used depend on the person's physical abilities, functional needs, goals, and progress.
Treatment may include guided exercises and movement training as well as activities to practice independently between sessions. As physical abilities change, the treatment approach can be adjusted to continue addressing the person's specific functional goals.
The purpose of physical therapy is to provide a structured, targeted approach to improving movement and physical function.
Ready to Learn More About Physical Therapy?
If you have questions about physical therapy or how a targeted approach to movement and physical function may fit your needs, contact A Family Chiropractic Clinic to learn more about available treatment options and what to expect.