Help You?
Many Americans suffer from neck or back pain or encounter any number of conditions that prevent them from participating in normal activities at some point in their lives. Whether it's a muscle strain caused by running or you've been diagnosed with arthritis, physical therapy may help you get on the road to recovery.
What is a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists use research and proven techniques to prevent or treat conditions that limit the body's ability to move and function in daily life. All physical therapists have completed a graduate degree – either a master's or a clinical doctorate – and must take a national and state licensure exam. A growing number of physical therapists are graduating with a doctor of physical therapy degree (DPT).
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings and nursing homes.
What to Expect from Physical Therapy
"Each individual is different, so each physical therapy experience and program is unique," says Carrie Brice, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Alamance Regional Medical Center. "The first step is to undergo an evaluation during which the physical therapist assesses your posture, gait, range of motion, strength, reflexes and more, depending on the injury or condition. This will help the therapist monitor and evaluate your progress throughout treatment."
The type of condition you have will dictate how often you work with your therapist. It could be daily, weekly or monthly. Therapy typically involves:
- Pain relief
- Strength and flexibility training
- Proper postural alignment
- Regaining movement or range of motion
- Balance and coordination training
- Relaxation and stress relief techniques
- And more
Your therapist may also design an appropriate home exercise program for you and teach you pain-relief methods and preventive measures you can follow at home or work.
A Treatment Alternative
More people are undergoing physical therapy as an alternative to surgery or medication, or they're using it as a first step in treatment in hopes of avoiding those options. If you think you could be a candidate for physical therapy, speak to your physician.
Do YOU Need Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists provide help for rehabilitating any part of the body, and they can treat everyone from infants to the elderly. Some of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy include:
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Physical therapists at Alamance Regional Medical Center offer both outpatient and inpatient treatment. Our physical therapy team includes board-certified specialists in geriatrics, neurology and orthopedics. Outpatient physical therapy services are available at several locations in Burlington, Mebane and Yanceyville.
Our Rehabilitation Department also offers occupational and speech therapy, and our Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic specializes in therapy for children. For more information about our Rehabilitation Services, call (336) 538-7500.
