Top Physical Therapy in St. Petersburg

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a treatment that aims to relieve pain, improve movement, and help you live better. Your doctor might recommend it if you have trouble doing daily tasks due to an injury or illness. Physical therapists are trained professionals who provide this care. Some conditions need regular physical therapy, while others may only require a few sessions.

During your appointment, a physical therapist will conduct movement tests to identify the problem and create a treatment plan.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

People of all ages can benefit from physical therapy. It can help with many health problems.

You might need physical therapy to:

• Relieve pain
• Improve mobility or ability to perform daily tasks
• Improve strength and overall function such as walking
• Recover from or prevent sports injuries
• Avoid surgery or disability
• Rehab after a stroke, injury, surgery, or accident
• Prevent slips or falls by improving balance
• Manage chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease
• Recover after childbirth
• Control bowel and bladder functions
• Adapt to a prosthetic limb
• Use assistive devices like walkers or canes
• Buy braces, splints, or orthotic devices
• Improve athletic performance

What Can Physical Therapy Treat?

Physical therapy can help with many conditions, including:

• Physical therapy can address a wide range of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, knee pain, hip pain, and wrist pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also effective for treating sports injuries, tendinitis, tendon problems, and rotator cuff tears. Additionally, physical therapy helps with knee injuries, jaw problems, concussions, strokes, and spinal cord or brain injuries. 
• It can assist in managing lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.

Forms of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy includes many subspecialties:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: For heart and lung conditions.
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): For lymphedema.
• Geriatric Physical Therapy: For age-related issues.
• Neurological Physical Therapy: For conditions like Parkinson’s or brain injuries.
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy: For injuries like fractures or sports injuries.
• Pediatric Physical Therapy: For infants and children with developmental issues.
• Pelvic Floor Therapy: For sexual and urinary problems.
• Sports Physical Therapy: For athletes recovering from injuries.
• Vestibular and Balance Therapy: For dizziness or poor balance.
• Physical Therapy for Wounds: To aid wound healing and normal movement.

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are related but distinct. Physical therapy uses exercises and devices to improve mobility. Occupational therapy helps with daily activities like dressing or eating. Many people benefit from both therapies during recovery.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists (PTs) treat conditions affecting movement. They use hands-on treatments and exercises to improve function. PTs can’t replace doctors for serious illnesses but help guide your treatment and aid in faster recovery.

Physical therapists need a Bachelor’s degree and complete a program in medical subjects like biology and anatomy. They must pass an exam to practice. PTs can’t diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, or perform surgery.

The Role of a Physical Therapist

In the first session, your PT will assess your needs, discuss your pain and symptoms, and review your medical history. They’ll diagnose the issue, determine its cause, and create a treatment plan. Tests may include:

• Bending, reaching, and grasping
• Strength and movement tests
• Walking or climbing steps
• Heart rate and blood pressure
• Posture or balance

Physical Therapy Treatments

Treatments may include:

• Exercises: To improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance.
• Massage: Gentle rubbing to relieve pain.
• Manual Therapy: using one’s hands to manipulate or mobilize soft tissues such as muscles, tendons fascia, nerves, viscera and lymphatics, as well as joints
• Cold Therapy: Ice for injuries.
• Hydrotherapy: Water exercises for recovery.
• Ultrasounds: For treating muscle and soft tissue injuries.
• Laser: for treating muscle and soft tissue injuries  
• Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Uses electrical impulses to reduce pain, improved mobility and restore strength.
• Dry Needling: For pain relief and restores mobility. 

Physical therapy can also help with adjusting to artificial limbs and using assistive devices.

Where Can You Receive Physical Therapy?

Physical therapists may come to your home or work in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Sports medicine centers
• Private medical offices
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Rehab centers
• Offices and worksites
• Colleges or schools

Some offer telehealth appointments from home.

Physical Therapy Cost

Medicare and insurance may cover part of the cost if your doctor recommends it. Check with your insurer about copays and coverage limits. Without insurance, a session may cost $150 or more.

Physical Therapy Risks

Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy provides a qualified professional, physical therapy is generally safe and very effective. However, it may worsen an injury if not followed correctly. Always follow your PT’s instructions for home exercises. Contact us today!

Takeaway

Physical therapy helps restore movement, function and strength after an injury, surgery, or medical condition. Your doctor might recommend it for conditions like Sciatica, ankle sprains, strokes or  Parkinson’s. Physical therapists are well-trained and can specialize in treating specific groups, such as the elderly, athletes or those with heart disease.  Book your complimentary consultation here!