Today most Americans know that physical therapy exists but until an injury occurs, they don’t have a real understanding of what takes place and how it can help a patient. In this article, our workers’ comp attorneys will discuss the history of physical therapy, the benefits of participating in physical therapy, the types of injuries that can be treated, and local Center City, Philadelphia physical therapists.
Physical Therapy: A Brief History
For thousands of years, physicians have known that massages and muscle manipulation can be helpful for patients with an injury or medical condition. Modern physical therapy, however, started in the 1920s with an organization called the American Woman’s Physical Therapeutic Association. This group of women had been working closely with orthopedic doctors for years to treat children who had been injured or who had suffered from the side effects of polio. The woman also worked closely with soldiers who needed to be rehabilitated from injuries sustained in World War I.
Decades later in the 1950s, physical therapy was recognized as a form of medicine and the first examinations were performed so that licensing could be issued.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Patients?
A physical therapy program should be customized to fit the needs of each individual patient. Depending on the type of injury and the location in the body, the program can help a patient by:
- Helping a patient to avoid surgery: Sometimes surgery can be completely avoided if the body is given time to heal and the surrounding muscles are strengthened.
- Helping a patient heal after surgery: It’s a fact that not all surgery can be avoided. However, a pre-surgical physical therapy program can help the body to prepare and can quicken the healing process.
- Reducing pain: This may be obvious but if an injury can be healed, then the hope is that the pain will subside.
- Managing chronic illness
- Improving balance
When first meeting with a physical therapist be sure to discuss all medical history and medications as these facts could impact the program the physical therapist determines is best.
Which Injuries Are Commonly Treated Through Physical Therapy?
The most common injuries treated by physical therapists include:
- Tennis Elbow
TMJ- Spinal Stenosis
- Herniated Disc
- ACL Tear
- Arthritis
- Hip Injuries
- Tendonitis
It’s important to seek treatment for any injury as quickly as possible. The longer that the injury is left untreated, the more damage may be caused.
How Do I Choose A Physical Therapist?
If you’ve been injured at work you may be referred to a specific physical therapist. If you are allowed to choose on your own, however, consider asking the following questions:
- How long have you been practicing physical therapy?
- What types of treatments do you recommend for my injury?
- How long will I be in physical therapy?
- What is my long term prognosis?
Your physical therapist should be able to answer any questions you may have about their qualifications and the type of treatments they recommend.
Physical Therapists In Center City
Here are a few of the physical therapists who practice in Center City, Philadelphia:
Excel Physical Therapy
1608 Walnut St 2nd FL,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 545-8717
Rebalance Physical Therapy & Wellness
1601 Walnut St Suite 606,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(267) 282-1301
Ascend Orthopedics
1518 Walnut St Suite 401,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(267) 777-9872
The workers’ comp lawyers at Schuster Law wish you a speedy recovery. If you’ll be spending time in Center City for physical therapy, check out our favorite places to eat. You’ll need strength to heal!
