As we learn more about the human body’s ability to recover, physical therapy has proved to be an important way for patients to regain strength, improve mobility and manage pain. People with a variety of health issues, including chronic pain and limited balance and mobility, have found great improvement through a physician-directed physical therapy program.
“Physical therapy is much more than a recovery program for patients with sports-related injuries,” said Leigh Ann Arnold, PT, DPT at Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “We have found that patients facing many challenges can find relief through physical therapy.”
At Heart of Texas Healthcare System, licensed physical therapists work with your healthcare provider to design a recovery program that fits your needs and goals. Programs are designed to help patients improve their quality of life through a conservative approach that combines exercise with manual therapy and education.
Recent advances in physical therapy have helped many patients manage chronic pain, thereby reducing the need for powerful and sometimes dangerous pain medications.
Many people who undergo physical therapy struggle with back pain. Injuries and strain on the lower back can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, impacting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Patients benefit by strengthening certain muscles and improving posture in order to reduce strain on the back.
“Pain is one of the most common reasons why providers recommend physical therapy,” Arnold said. “Physical therapy programs are designed to help patients manage their pain through exercise. This helps address the cause of the pain rather than simply masking it with pain medications. Many patients have found long-term improvements for their chronic pain issues.”
Those who are at risk of falls can benefit from a physical therapy program. Physical therapy can help by strengthening key muscles that improve balance. Improving balance is often a component of a physical therapy program for those recovering from certain surgical procedures or chronic conditions.
Physical therapy can also be prescribed for a number of other health issues that impact a person’s mobility and everyday life, including neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Physical therapists help patients with stretching and exercise techniques that reduce stress on certain joints and muscles to allow them to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.
Arnold said that many people have chosen to delay treatment for common health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing so, however, can cause prolonged suffering or put you at risk of serious health issues.
“It is never a good idea to delay the care you need to improve your everyday life,” Arnold said. “You can take comfort knowing that a team of professional physical therapists is right around the corner.
Patients who have suffered from an accident, are recovering from surgery or have certain types of medical conditions can often benefit from physical therapy. If your provider recommends a physical therapy program, ask for a referral to Heart of Texas Healthcare System.
To learn more about local medical services or to find a provider, call Heart of Texas Healthcare System at 325-597-2901, or visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.com.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers a wealth of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.