How to Tell If Physical Therapy Is Working

Physical therapy is the term for a wide range of treatments for an even wider range of health issues, and despite its widespread use is still a relatively new treatment compared to many others, only starting in the first half of the 20th century. As the name infers, it helps patients with rehabilitating parts of the body to restore movement, strength, and stability deriving from injury or illness.

These therapies can take several weeks or longer to complete, but if you’re new to going through this, how do you gauge how well you’re doing, or how well it’s working? Let’s find out by looking at how these therapies work, which types are available, and what signs of progress you should look for.

If you live in the Fort Worth, Texas, area and you need to undergo physical therapy for whatever reason, Dr. Joseph Daniels and his team at Southwest Orthopedic Associates can help.

What physical therapy does

Physical therapy is a system of treatment used to manage a number of different issues, from rehabilitation from injury or surgery to recovering mobility due to a debilitating condition. It works by helping to improve the function of musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary (skin, hair, nails, and glands) systems through various regimens and therapies. 

This covers treating many issues, such as sports injuries, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tears, strokes, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord problems. It also helps with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

Types of physical therapy

There are a number of specialty therapies to use for managing your healing journey, including:

• Orthopedic: a very common form of therapy that covers musculoskeletal damage, such as sprains, strains, fractures, tendonitis, bursitis, and other bone and joint problems

• Geriatric: designed for the needs of our older population, this type helps with issues regarding arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, balance disorders, and joint replacements

• Neurological: nerve injury and disease are covered with this type of therapy, like stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, walking problems and cerebral palsy

• Pulmonary/cardiovascular: this helps people struggling with problems with the heart and lungs or recovering from surgery of these areas

• Pediatric: this is for a range of physical issues with kids ranging from infants to teens, with a focus on improving fine and motor skills, coordination, and strength

Signs of progress in treatment

Here are some important hallmarks to look for in your rehabilitation process:

Increased mobility

If there is damage to joints, or a reduction of movement for other reasons, one important step in recovery is regaining mobility and balance. If over the course of your therapy, you find it easier to use injured areas, you’re heading in the right direction.

Better range of motion

Some problems can leave your joints immobile, or you may have an injury that needs to be braced or put in a cast to stay as still as possible as it heals. Once you reach the point where you can get the brace or cast off, and start moving things more and more, you’re well on your way to full function.

More strength in injured area

Damage to bones, joints, muscles, and other tissue can also weaken limbs and other body parts. Building strength is very important here, and when you’re at a point when you can grab, lift, or otherwise use damaged areas with more confidence and power, recovery becomes much easier.

Decrease of pain

Pain is a part of injury, and initially it’s often what people focus on and need to get past to properly recover. With a combination of therapies to ease soft tissue, over-the-counter analgesics, and a regimen catered to your needs, when the pain starts to subside, the healing journey will be smoother.'

Physical therapy is essential for helping you recover function, strength, and so much more, and if you’re dealing with a problem that requires it, we’re here to help. Make an appointment with Dr. Daniels and his team at Southwest Orthopedic Associates today to get full function back.