When you think of physical therapy, you normally think of it as a solution for injury or surgery repair. In other words, it’s most thought of as a means for managing cumulative pain and preventing injury. Did you know that physical therapy can also alleviate a multitude of conditions? Below we’ve provided five conditions where physical therapy can be beneficial.
- Vertigo: Physical therapy tackles the root of vertigo and dizziness by releasing the tension surrounding the balance system in your ears and eyes. In some cases, head balancing exercises significantly reduce vertigo symptoms.
- Physical Challenges of Parenthood: Parenthood can bring some unexpected physical challenges, such as posture change due to holding a baby, weight gain, etc. A baby’s preference to be held in a certain position could mean holding an abnormal posture for a prolonged period of time. Physical therapists often teach clients how to effectively maneuver the body while taking care of an infant. Physical therapy can identify, alleviate, and prevent injury.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. In simpler terms, it involves experiencing pain, all over the body and constant pain near the joints. Physical therapists utilize their vast knowledge of the body and how it works to help patients create a routine to manage the pain.
- Pediatric Conditions: Oftentimes it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of a child’s pain and level of injury, which makes it even more difficult to figure out what care the child will need. This is where physical therapy comes in handy. Physical therapists can provide caregivers the resources needed to support and care for their child and can customize therapy based on their level of activity, their sport, or their age.
- TMJ: Temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (in front of each ear). It allows you to move your jaw so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Complications with your jaw and face muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or TMJ, after joint. Most people who experience TMJ have been told by dentists and oral surgeons that they grind their teeth. Pain can be caused from clenching of the jaw, due to stress and posture; however, physical therapy can help to alleviate the pain caused by TMJ.
7 Comments
My mother suffers from fibromyalgia. She is in pain a majority of the time, and she’s looking for ways she can limit the symptoms she has. I didn’t realize physical therapy is able to help patients with this condition by creating a routine that limits the pain they experience. I’ll be sure to share this option with my mother.
I had no idea that you could benefit from physical therapy if you have vertigo. You mentioned that head balancing exercises can significantly reduce those symptoms. I’ll be sure to pass this information on to my mother-in-law since she has been having vertigo lately.
I really love that you talked about these benefits that we get from a physical therapist. I have vertigo and I am not aware that this can help me. I will surely ask my husband to look for a physical therapist this weekend.
I didn’t realize that physical therapy could help fibromyalgia by keeping clients moving well. That would be really helpful if you didn’t really know what else to do to help things feel better. Having a physical therapist would be really nice to help keep your boy working really well.
It’s good to know what physical therapy can actually help! I had no idea that it could work on kids with pediatric issues. My son has some large motor skill issues, so maybe we should take him to a therapist.
It sure was informative when you explained that by releasing the tension surrounding the ears and the eyes, the roots of vertigo will be dealt with and the problem will be solved. My mom suffers from vertigo every once in a while and when she does, it usually lasts for well over a week. I do not like seeing her so helpless, so I want to help her cure the illness. If physical therapy will help her, then I will be sure to take her to the nearest facility. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing that physical therapy can reduce vertigo. My mother has recently started experiencing vertigo and is willing to try anything that may help her condition. Normally I associate physical therapy with recovering from an injury, so I hadn’t realized that it could be useful for vertigo. I’ll definitely be suggesting physical therapy to her!