Advanced physical therapy is the medical practice of treating, healing, and preventing injuries. While this isn’t the sole purpose of physical therapy, it does encompass the majority of care that patients receive. Many patients also engage in therapy to prevent deterioration of muscle and tissue important for basic mobility, such as walking and lifting. Athletes take advantage of sports training that helps increase speed, agility, and endurance.
The field of advanced physical therapy prides itself on providing adequate education so that patients learn and understand how to prevent future injuries by performing exercises at home and understanding how the body works.Geriatric Physical Therapy BenefitsAs bone mass and muscle deteriorate with age, the elderly are at a high risk for falls and bone fractures. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of lost bone mass, especially in women. Treatment to help build bone mass includes strength training, because the increased blood flow to the bones helps strengthen them.
Physical therapists can assist the elderly at home, in assisted living centers, skilled nursing facilities, and at outpatient facilities. Medicare will usually cover physical therapy costs associated with rehabilitation and pain management.One benefit many elderly patients receive from therapy is the ability to regain independent mobility without the need for walkers or canes. Musculoskeletal problems of the spine are one reason many older people need assistance when walking. Not only is the spine deteriorating because of age, but there may be a considerable amount of pain caused by slipped discs or swollen nerves. By helping elderly patients improve posture and strengthen the back and core, therapists improve an older patients balance, strength, and coordination. This leads to a better quality of life in the later years.Prenatal Physical Therapy BenefitsOne area of advanced physical therapy that many people don’t consider is prenatal therapy.
Women are told to exercise while pregnant to prevent weight gain and have an easier labor, but magazines and television programs don’t educate women on the best way to exercise that benefits the entire body. During the last trimester, much more stress and weight is put onto the lower back, and the lower back is expected to support all of this stress and weight. That is why many pregnant women experience pain in the sciatica and have pain when sitting or walking.A prenatal therapist will work with an expectant mother, taking into consideration any restrictions set forth by her OB/GYN, to help her reduce weight gain and pregnancy pain. A physio trainer will work on exercises, both cardio and strength training, so that an expectant mother has an easier pregnancy and delivery.
The major benefit of receiving therapy services while pregnant is that any new aches and pains can be brought up immediately and the therapist can plan and manage the new pains with exercise.Sports Physical Therapy BenefitsThe American Physical Therapy Association offers its members the opportunity to expand their education by taking online and home study courses in sports therapy. Physical therapy centers have trained therapists who focus on working with high school and college athletes.
This aspect of therapy is popular as many younger people need help rehabilitating from sports-related injuries.Therapists work one-on-one with athletes to help them gain agility and strength. Patients can also recover quickly when using advanced physical therapy techniques customized for their specific sport. Thanks to the wide variety of specialties studied in physical therapy, anyone can benefit from a therapy program that takes into consideration their specific ailment.
