If you have a hard time moving and doing the things you need to accomplish on a daily basis, you may need some physical therapy. The main goal for this type of treatment is to make your everyday life easier, for you to be able to move without difficulty, and to return to a fit state. Here are some of the signs you may need to consult a physical therapist.
1. Pain Lingers Too Long
If you have a minor injury or accident, the best thing you can do for your body is to take some time off. Rest, put some ice on the affected area, and try going back to your normal activities after a couple of days. If after this, you still feel pain, it may be wise to consult a therapist to learn more about the injury.
2. Recurring Pain
Do you have an ache that shows all of the sudden and it’s so recurring that you’ve adjusted your lifestyle to it? Well, you don’t have to live with that ache forever. Many times these continual aches are past injuries that didn’t get the necessary medical attention to heal correctly. In this case, it’s always a good idea to diagnose these injuries and get rid of that ache once and for all.
3. Medicine Doesn’t Help
At times, when you suffer an injury, your doctor will suggest over the counter medication or give you a prescription for the pain. However, sometimes meds alone can’t alleviate the discomfort. If this is the case, a therapist may be able to provide the tools for you to feel better on top of the meds.
4. A Traumatic Event
If you’ve broken a bone, torn a muscle, or have had a traumatic event of this nature, your body is going to need some time and special care to recover. When it comes to these cases, physical therapy can help you recover faster since you’ll have professional help by your side to guide you through the process.
5. Visible Changes
Nobody knows your body like you do. If you notice something doesn’t look or feel right, you might want to seek medical attention. Some examples of this are a swollen ankle after a training session or maybe you feel discomfort when you move your arm after swimming a few laps. Don’t ever forget to pay attention to your body!
6. Acute Pain
Whenever you feel a sharp and acute pain in any part of your body, you need to have it checked out. A medical professional can determine the severity of the condition. This sharp ache may be a stress fracture, a pulled muscle, or even a symptom of a more serious condition.
Remember that you don’t need to be afraid of rehab. Physical therapy exists to help your body recover the most efficient way. It won’t be a waste of time; it will be a great way to take care of yourself! In addition, whenever you need physical therapy, your physician can refer you to the right professional. Ask your doctor about the best treatment options available to you.
