Top Benefits of Physical Therapy Q&A

Physical therapy uses various techniques to restore or improve a patient’s movement quality, often related to the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapists often work in conjunction with occupational therapists, and while their work is similar and can overlap, the two professions are not synonymous.

Though they are both rehabilitative, the key difference between PT, physical therapy, and OT, occupational therapy, is the focus on a type of motor skill. Gross motor skills are considered large movements that occur by the synergistic use of large muscle groups; walking or climbing activity is an example. Fine motor skills, on the contrary, are smaller, more refined movements using few muscles; this is seen in activities like writing or cooking a meal.

Physical therapists focus on gross motor skills needed for daily living and mobility. Occupational therapists focus on fine motor skills required for specific day-to-day activities, like brushing teeth or putting on shoes. Patients may see a physical therapist for various reasons, such as injury rehabilitation or disorder management.

Physical therapy is highly effective in treating various conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In some cases, physical therapy is necessary to rehabilitate lost function. Numerous patients can benefit from physical therapy with extensive techniques customized based on patient status. However, a significant determining factor of treatment success is adherence and consistency on the patient’s side when out of the clinic.

The primary goal of physical therapy is to improve a patient’s quality of life, meaning their general experience of day-to-day life is more manageable and more enjoyable. Physical therapy can help a patient better understand their condition, whether chronic or acute and how to best aid themselves in recovery. A physical therapist can curate exercise regimens individualized for each patient to address their specific concern.

In addition, patients will receive education in the musculoskeletal system, their condition, and how to gain back independence in their life. Self-management is an essential skill that optimizes recovery outcomes; though obvious, it can be challenging to learn. A physical therapist will help teach you new ways of managing your symptoms and overcoming physical barriers you face in your day-to-day life. At Progressive Physical Therapy, we are fully prepared to collaborate with other therapists and specialists in your care team to provide exceptional care.

A large group of patients can benefit from physical therapy, even if they do not think so. For example, patients experiencing sciatica pain can benefit from physical therapy, as specifically targeted exercises can strengthen the back muscles and help reduce inflammation. Similarly, patients experiencing neck and arm pain can utilize a therapeutic exercise regime.

This pain may have a known cause, such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis, or it may be unknown, in which case your physical therapist can help determine the source of your symptoms. Though you may not associate a physical therapist with dizziness and balance disorders, there are many implementations these exceptional healthcare providers can provide to help alleviate your symptoms. Again, through various exercises and activities, you can practice movement despite your symptoms in the safe presence of a physical therapist.

At Progressive Physical Therapy, our therapists can use technology to provide assessments, like the Biodex balance assessment, and treatments, like cold laser therapy. Cold laser therapy may reduce pain and discomfort possibly brought about by numerous conditions, such as carpal tunnel, migraines, TMJ, degenerative disc disease, arthritic, sciatica, and more. At Progressive Physical Therapy, our team is strongly dedicated to providing quality care and effective therapy using a patient-centered approach. The services we offer and a list of conditions we treat can be found on our website. We are here to answer any questions you have. For more information, call us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 15 Spinning Wheel Road Ste. 24 Hinsdale, IL 60521. We serve patients from La Grange IL, Westmont IL, Lombard IL, Downers Grove IL, Elmhurst IL, and surrounding areas.