Physical Therapy Hazlet NJ is a standard treatment for many injuries and health conditions. It can help reduce pain and stiffness and improve strength, balance, and mobility.
A doctor or other healthcare professional most often prescribes PT. But you can also self-refer to a therapist and pay out-of-pocket for sessions.
Physical therapy is the diagnosis and treatment of health problems that affect the body’s movement and function. It’s an effective way to reduce pain and manage long-term conditions such as arthritis and chronic back or neck pain. You can also benefit from physical therapy if you’ve had an injury or surgery. Some people seek this treatment for balance issues, as well as to improve their strength and independence.
A physical therapist has specific graduate training in treating the body’s movement and function. You’ll find these health care professionals working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. Some may choose to further specialize in a particular area of physical therapy, such as orthopedic or geriatric therapy. Some even opt to become board certified.
PT’s use many different techniques and approaches to help their patients. For example, they can use passive therapies, like heat, cold and electrical stimulation (e-stim). Other treatments include stretching tight muscles to prevent muscle tightness and to improve range of motion. They can also use manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage and fascial release to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Other common treatments that physical therapists might use are compression therapy, which can help increase blood flow and decrease swelling, and wound care therapy to ensure that healing wounds receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. They might also use acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate pain.
Depending on your specific needs, your physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan for you. They might recommend a certain type of exercise to build your endurance or strengthen your muscles. They might also suggest ways to adjust your daily routine or workplace habits to make them more functional and healthy, such as postural exercises for people who sit at a desk all day or strengthening techniques for those who lift heavy objects often. They might even prescribe medications if necessary. However, in most cases, physical therapy is an all-natural treatment option with fewer risks than some other medical interventions.
Why Do I Need to See a Physical Therapist?
Whether you’ve been injured at work or play, or are dealing with chronic pain due to age, it may be time to see a physical therapist. Unlike pain relievers that only mask the symptoms, a physical therapist can help address the root of the problem.
If you’re unsure, ask your doctor for a referral or check your insurance policy to find out if physical therapy is covered. Then, schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist (PT). Depending on your coverage, a single session could cost anywhere from $75 to $350.
Your first visit will include three main parts: a subjective conversation about your injury or pain; an objective assessment of the biomechanics of your movement patterns; and a final diagnosis and explanation of your treatment plan. A good PT will take the time to listen to you, understand your goals and limitations, and get to know you so they can create the best possible care for you.
Physical therapists are experts in how the body moves and are trained to identify and treat movement problems in people of all ages and abilities. They will assess your movement patterns and how different systems integrate with your movements, such as your cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine system, to determine if the site of your pain is isolated or if it is a result of other health issues.
PTs also use tools that can help you manage pain and improve your range of motion without the harmful side effects of prescription medications or surgery. For example, a physical therapist can teach you ways to reduce strain on your joints and muscles by changing how you move throughout the day. Many people are unaware that simple changes, like standing and walking instead of sitting for long periods of time or putting the same amount of pressure on certain joints, can prevent repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel or tennis elbow.
Physical therapists are committed to getting you back to your peak level of mobility and health, regardless of the reason you’ve found yourself seeking help. They are dedicated to helping you reach your goals and live life to its fullest, without the risks of drugs or surgery.
How Do I Find a Physical Therapist?
The first step in finding the right therapist is to get a referral from your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also be able to self-refer, depending on your insurance coverage. In general, you want to look for a PT who accepts your insurance and specializes in the type of physical therapy you require.
After your initial evaluation, the therapist will create a treatment plan that decreases pain and improves mobility and function. They will review this plan often during your treatment sessions and make adjustments as needed. It’s important to take an active role in this process and ask any questions you may have.
Your therapist should be knowledgeable about the latest research on your condition and be able to answer any questions you have about it. They should also be open to trying new techniques and tools that will support your recovery. For example, some therapists use “physical modalities” to help reduce pain and swelling, such as using cold packs or electrical stimulation. Others use more holistic approaches, like acupuncture, to reduce muscle spasms and improve circulation.
The relationship with your therapist is an important one, so you want to make sure they are someone who makes you feel safe and comfortable. In addition, it’s a good idea to find out whether they have experience treating your specific condition or injury and what their success rate is.
It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations, but keep in mind that their experiences with PT might not be the same as yours, so their recommendations might not be helpful. It’s also a good idea to check out the facilities and look for any equipment they might be using, especially if you have a vestibular disorder (an inner ear problem that causes dizziness or balance issues). You want to see a clinic with multiple private rooms and the ability to perform all types of physical therapy.
It’s also a good idea to take the time to read reviews online about various providers. You can even ask for a new patient screening to make sure they are the right fit for you.
What Should I Expect From a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapy, sometimes called physiotherapy, is a nonsurgical treatment option to improve or restore strength, mobility and flexibility after illness, injury or surgery. When you attend your physical therapy sessions regularly and follow your therapist’s instructions exactly, it increases the likelihood of a full recovery.
Your first appointment will be an evaluation, where the physical therapist will ask you questions about your pain and symptoms and take some measurements of your movement and range of motion. He or she will also likely ask you what activities you want to do or not do because that can help determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
During the examination, your physical therapist will palpate (touch) the injured area of the body to feel for the softness or tightness of the muscles and joints. Your physical therapist will also move the affected areas in specific ways to measure your range of motion and check for any muscle imbalances. The therapist will probably ask about any medications you are taking or have taken in the past, and may also consult with other health care professionals to understand your medical history and current health status.
Once your physical therapist has a good idea of the problem, he or she will create a plan for treatment. The plan may include exercises and stretching that you can perform at home to keep office visits to a minimum. A physical therapist may use taping techniques to reduce inflammation or stabilize a joint. He or she might also use electrical stimulation to decrease pain and strengthen your muscles.
Most physical therapists will schedule you for regular follow-up appointments, with the frequency depending on your individual situation. Your therapist will continually reevaluate your progress and work with you to set goals for discharge when you are ready to stop attending physical therapy. If you have a long-term condition, your physical therapist will help you develop a program that keeps your pain or disability at bay. That program will usually involve some kind of routine exercise and stretches, as well as medication or other interventions.