Top Reasons To Return to Physical Therapy

Top Reasons To Return to Physical Therapy

Most patients undergo physical therapy for a short time. You may visit your physical therapist over the course of weeks or months. However, physical therapy can be a long process. For example, you may finish your initial several sessions and have to return years later to receive treatment for an exacerbation of your original condition. As an experienced Baltimore, MD physical therapy provider – including those who practice at MidAtlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic– can confirm, you shouldn’t avoid returning to physical therapy simply because it genuinely feels frustrating that you need to go through this process again. It is generally a healthier approach to work to a place of acceptance that sometimes old injuries “flare up” after initially healing to the greatest extent possible. 

Your Pain Returns

One of the most common reasons that patients require physical therapy is to alleviate pain. For example, if you have severe pain in your joints, soft tissue mobilization can help ease the pain. The use of taping, ultrasound or electric stimulation can also help with your blood circulation. When you increase your blood flow, you are more likely to heal quicker. In addition, relief from physical therapy is often safer than pain medication.

Your Mobility Decreases

When you finish physical therapy, you may have your range of function back. Often, physical therapy improves your ability to walk, stand or perform other daily activities. However, if you find that you are starting to lose those functions again, you need to see a physical therapist as soon as possible. You may think that an old injury can’t be “re-healed” or that you have to live with the pain, but that isn’t the case. In fact, even old injuries can often improve with flexibility work, endurance training and other strength training activities.

You May Require Surgery

Sometimes, when you suffer from joint mobility issues, doctors may suggest surgical intervention. In some cases, physical therapy can help you avoid the knife. If not, you may still need to have physical therapy to prepare you for the surgical procedure. Having physical therapy following surgery can also help promote healing. You may be able to heal without the use of stitches. Physical therapy can help aid in blood flow which also helps the body to heal itself. A lot of people fear being unable to move the same as before after surgery. If you don’t follow a physical therapy regimen, you could lose even more function.

Follow your doctor’s instructions in regards to physical therapy. Even if you start to feel better, don’t quit therapy before you’re cleared. If you are cleared but the pain returns or your mobility decreases, you may have to return for the old injury. Returning to physical therapy can help you regain independence or live with less pain.