October is National Physical Therapy Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the field of physical therapy. Throughout October the American Physical Therapy Association highlights the incredible work that physical therapists and physical therapy assistants do to create a healthier and happy community. They also take the time to highlight the importance of physical activity and how physical therapy can aid in getting people moving. To celebrate the importance of physical therapy this month, we want to discuss a few things you might not know that your physical therapist wishes you did! In this blog, we’ll discuss a few different things that your physical therapist wants you to know that can help you make the most of your treatment and be the healthiest you!

Successful Physical Therapy Takes Time

Physical therapy is an incredible tool that can be used to relieve pain, promote injury recovery, and in some cases prevent the need for surgery or medications. While physical therapy is an incredible healing tool, it takes time to start seeing results. Patients will see their physical therapist for an average of 10-12 sessions during their treatment. Depending on how often your sessions are, this means treatment lasts on average around six weeks. It will often take beyond the first two sessions to start seeing a noticeable improvement.

Additionally, it’s important to consider that healing and work don’t necessarily end once you’re discharged from physical therapy. Often your physical therapist will supply you with maintenance exercises to perform on your own at home. These exercises are designed to help keep your strength and maintain the progress you’ve made. So, while physical therapy is a powerful healing tool, it’s important to start your treatment knowing that it will take time to see the results you want.

Physical Therapy Can Prevent Surgery And Medication

For those suffering from chronic conditions, illness, or injury, there are often a variety of potential treatment options to choose from. Unlike surgery or medication, physical therapy is a non-invasive alternative that comes with no side effects. For many conditions including back pain, physical therapy has proven to be just as effective as surgery without the associated risks.  Patients who begin treatment shortly after an injury can reduce their risk of being on strong painkillers like opioids in the future. 

While physical therapy cannot replace the need for all surgery or medication, it offers another pathway to healing. If you believe that a chronic condition or pain you suffer from could be remedied by physical therapy, consult with a physical therapist in your area to see if physical therapy can improve your road to recovery.

Physical Therapy Isn’t Painful

The common misconception about physical therapy is that it will worsen your pain or at the least, be very painful during sessions. But this is not the case! While performing exercises you may experience discomfort but it is common to experience fatigue after a hard session, however, you should not be experiencing prolonged pain or worsened pain on a daily basis.

It is important that if you are still experiencing pain after completing an exercise or if you find that the pain you’re experiencing on a daily basis is worse, you let your physical therapist know right away. It’s important that you inform your physical therapist of any pain so they can assess if there is a missing component of your care, another injury, or something else entirely. 

Successful Physical Therapy Requires Patient Participation

Your physical therapist will serve as your guide on this healing journey; however, they cannot do all of the physical work for you. As a patient, it’s important to be an active participant in your care. Your physical therapist will expect you to attend your sessions regularly, follow their instructions during your sessions, stick to your at-home care routine, and follow the aftercare plan that they lay out for you. 

It’s important to make sure you’re being proactive in your communication with your physical therapist. Communicate with your therapist about your scheduling needs, your physical limitations, and your pain levels. Also, be sure to ask for assistance in understanding exercises or terminology when you need it. 

Where Can I Find A Physical Therapist Near Me?

At Advanced Kinetics Physical Therapy we offer physical therapy whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to manage chronic pain, or are working on your overall physical health. Our services are available at our locations in Falls Church and McLean, Virginia. If you’re interested in learning more about how our physical therapy and recovery services can help you, please get in touch with us!