Physical Therapy - Its Value

Physical therapists are health care professionals who maintain, restore, and improve movement, activity, and health enabling individuals of all ages to have optimal functioning and quality of life. Additionally, pursuing exercise programs designed by a physical therapist has been associated with protecting patients against injury and potentially eliminating the need for surgery.

A highly effective alternative to prescription medication and surgery for a variety of conditions, physical therapists work with patients to alleviate pain associated with the lower back, shoulders, neck, knees and other common ailments. Research demonstrates that regular physical therapy treatment leads to greater improvement in function and decreased pain intensity. A physical therapist's comprehensive patient care includes examination, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition to mitigating pain from musculoskeletal conditions, physical therapists provide value for patients suffering from arthritis, vertigo, breast cancer, diabetic ulcers, and type 2 diabetes, among other conditions.

Physical therapists provide cost effective care. Early and appropriate access to physical therapy results in significant cost savings for employers, insurers, and patients. For example, physical therapy combined with comprehensive medical care may replace the need for surgery for those with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee by relieving pain and stiffness. The American Heart Association encourages patients with heart disease to see a physical therapist for the initial treatment of pain as an alternative to prescription medications.The benefits of physical therapy are extensive, enabling patients to live healthily while avoiding unnecessary surgery, medication, and doctors' visits.