You may have recently been referred to physical therapy. Physical therapy is often used either alone or in conjunction with other treatments before resorting to surgery for injuries and medical conditions that cause pain or limit mobility. You may be wondering what physical therapy will be like, or how it will help you.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy usually consists of a number of controlled exercises. Some of these exercises you will do with the physical therapist, while others you will be required to do at home in-between appointments. The exercises are designed to help you regain mobility and reduce pain. A physical therapist can also help you with issues such as learning how to walk properly with a cane to reduce impact and pain on the joints.

Is It Difficult?

Physical therapy can be difficult for the patient at first. You are teaching your body to move in ways that it has not moved before, or perhaps not for some time. It can be tiring and sometimes cause you to have increased pain right after a session. It is important that you push through and do all of the exercises to the best of your ability. For many people, it gets easier over time.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

If physical therapy doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed. Physical therapy is just one method that is used to try to regain mobility and limit pain. If you are unable to do the exercises after a period of time, it is a sign that other treatments need to be attempted. Always talk to your doctor if you have concerns about physical therapy.

To learn more about how physical therapy can help you and the other treatments that are available for orthopedic pain and stiffness, contact our offices today.