Physical therapy is among the best drug-free pain management programs. Physical therapists treat pain at its source by looking for areas of weakness or stress in your body. Then, the practitioner designs manual therapy and therapeutic exercises that strengthen stiff areas to ease pain and improve the range of movement.

For example, weak core muscles could cause unrelenting back pain, while torn ligaments may cause a painful ankle. Physical therapy consists of various treatments, including exercises, stretching, physical manipulation, ice and heat packs, and ultrasound therapy. Your therapist will modify the program over time to help you make progress and stay comfortable.

Knee arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, hip osteoarthritis, neck pain, and muscle strains are among the conditions that respond well to physical therapy. The treatment is worth considering if you suffer from chronic pain and want to reduce your reliance on opioid painkillers.

3. Improve Mobility

Poor posture, weak core muscles, and injuries can affect your mobility and balance and make it difficult to perform usual activities. Your therapist will recommend various exercises and stretches to strengthen specific muscles, such as your leg muscles. During the program, you will find that daily tasks like climbing the stairs and walking are easier. If necessary, the therapist can also correctly fit you with assistive devices like braces, crutches, or canes.  

4. Sports Injury Recovery

Recovery after an accident or sports injury takes patience. In addition to rest and medication, your primary physician will likely suggest physical therapy to speed up recovery.

The top priority is increasing blood circulation to the injured area and strengthening the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles. To this end, a physical therapist uses manual massage, ice and heat therapies, stretching, therapeutic stimulation, and other techniques to boost circulation, strengthen injured muscles, and realign your spine. Also, the therapist will help you adjust to using assistive devices if necessary.

Preventative physical therapy is beloved by athletes and active people as it keeps their bodies in tip-top shape to prevent injuries. A physical therapist helps your muscles and tissues relax after activity and stimulates blood flow for faster healing and recovery. Getting into a physical therapy program sooner enhances your athletic performance, reduces the chances of surgery, and offers better strength. Physical therapy improves your balance, resulting in fewer falls and fewer injuries.