The start of a new year is often filled with hope, motivation, and goals for self-improvement. However, for those who struggle with mobility challenges, the thought of facing another year can bring about feelings of fear and anxiety. The good news is that physical therapy can help alleviate these fears and make it possible to achieve your goals.
Making physical therapy a part of your New Year routine can improve your overall mobility, range of motion, and strength. With the help of our highly trained physical therapists (PTs) at Epic Medical, you can start the year with confidence and determination.
The Impact of Mobility Challenges
Mobility challenges refer to difficulties with movement, balance, and coordination. These challenges can affect an individviual’s ability to walk, stand, balance, or perform daily tasks. Mobility issues can occur at any age and can greatly impact one's quality of life.
Some common causes of mobility challenges include:
- Orthopedic injuries such as fractures or sprains
- Stroke or other neurological disorders
- Arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions
- Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle
- Aging and a natural decline in muscle strength and flexibility
Limited mobility can also lead to feelings of isolation and dependence on others, which can have a negative impact on mental health. This can create a cycle of fear and avoidance, preventing individuals from seeking help and making progress in their recovery.
How Physical Therapy At Epic Medical Can Help
Physical therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that focuses on improving mobility and function. Our PTs at Epic Medical specialize in treating a wide range of conditions and can create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific mobility challenges.
There are different types of physical therapy:
- Orthopedic physical therapy for musculoskeletal injuries or conditions
- Neurological physical therapy for disorders affecting the nervous system
- Pediatric physical therapy for children with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Geriatric physical therapy for older adults with age-related mobility challenges
- Sports physical therapy for athletes recovering from injuries or looking to improve performance
Some ways that physical therapy can help overcome mobility challenges include:
- Pain management: PTs use various techniques to manage pain, such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and inflammation, which can improve mobility and physical function.
- Strengthening and flexibility: Through targeted exercises, PTs can help strengthen muscles that support movement and increase joint flexibility. This can improve balance, stability, and range of motion.
- Gait training: For individuals with difficulty walking, PTs can work on correcting gait patterns to improve their ability to move safely and effectively.
- Education: PTs can educate individuals on proper body mechanics and techniques to prevent further injuries and improve overall movement efficiency.
- Assistive devices: In some cases, physical therapists may recommend using assistive devices such as walkers or canes to help with mobility.
At Epic Medical, our team of highly trained PTs offers a wide range of services to address various mobility challenges. Including:
- Injury Prevention – Our PTs can assess your risk of injury and provide training and exercises to help prevent future injuries. This is especially important for athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.
- Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) – A specialized technique used by PTs to treat painful and stiff muscles. It involves applying pressure or massage to specific trigger points in the muscle, which can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Joint Injection Treatment - In some cases, physical therapy alone may not be enough to address mobility challenges fully. For individuals with arthritis or other common conditions, our PTs can administer joint injections to help reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility. These injections may include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Overcome Mobility Challenges with Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh
The start of the year can be daunting for those struggling with mobility challenges, which can lead to fear, anxiety, and isolation. However, physical therapy treatment can help individuals overcome these challenges and make significant progress in their mobility goals.
With the help of Epic Medical’s highly trained PTs, led by Dr. Eric, individuals can increase their strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination through targeted exercises and techniques. By addressing not only physical limitations but also fear and anxiety related to mobility issues, physical therapy can greatly improve confidence and independence.
If you're suffering from mobility challenges, you're not alone. Contact us today to learn more about our physical therapy services and how we can help you overcome your fears and reach your full potential. Remember, with the right support and treatment, there is no fear too big to overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is physical therapy painful?
Physical therapy should not be painful, though some mild discomfort may be experienced during certain exercises or techniques. The goal of physical therapy is to alleviate pain and improve mobility, not cause more pain.
Can physical therapy help with chronic pain?
Yes, physical therapy can be an effective non-invasive treatment for chronic pain. PTs use various techniques to manage pain and help improve mobility and function. However, it is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist for an individualized treatment plan.
How often should I attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of physical therapy sessions depends on the individual's condition and treatment plan. In most cases, PTs recommend 2-3 sessions per week for optimal progress. However, this can vary and will be determined by the therapist during the initial evaluation.
Can I continue physical therapy after I've met my goals?
Yes, individuals can continue attending physical therapy sessions even after meeting their initial goals. This can help maintain progress and prevent future injuries or mobility challenges. Your physical therapist can work with you to develop a maintenance program that fits your specific needs and goals.
Will I need a referral from my doctor for physical therapy?
In most cases, a referral is not necessary to start physical therapy treatment. However, some insurance plans may require a referral to cover the costs of treatment. It is best to check with your insurance provider before starting treatment.
