The physical therapy industry is booming. With the growing prevalence of chronic conditions among athletes and regular fitness enthusiasts alike, more and more people are turning to physical therapy for pain relief. And while this type of care has long been reserved for people with serious injuries or disabilities, there’s no reason why anyone should be left out. In fact, many find that many PT practices benefit their overall health, fitness, and well-being.
How can you take advantage? Read on to learn about some of these physical therapy benefits and tips helping you to get started and for staying fit!
Get active now
The best way to get started on the right foot in terms of physical health is by starting early. Now is the time to find a physical therapy treatment provider and get started on a plan that will keep you fit, happy, and healthy for years to come.
Additionally, it will help maintain good bone density that will help fight against the onset of osteoporosis later in life. It will also help maintain your muscle mass, which naturally decreases as you age and will improve your heart’s overall well-being (in addition to creating a healthy lifestyle habit).
Stretching pays off
It’s not glamorous or exciting like an intense workout at the gym might be, but stretching is incredibly important when it comes to staying in shape because it helps you to avoid injury. It also keeps your muscles flexible and strong, so that they don’t atrophy over time. This means if the physical therapist recommends specific stretches or exercises for certain injuries, be sure to stick with them.
At-home workouts are just as valuable
You might think that all of the good stuff happens at the physical therapy clinic, but you would be wrong. Many therapists recommend doing simple activities like yoga or Pilates at home to improve your strength and flexibility so that when it comes time for physical therapy exercises, the process can go more smoothly.
Consider incorporating a PT into your workout regimen
Physical therapists aren’t always just for people who are injured or have a condition. Here are a few reasons to consider having one for yourself:
You can get a baseline
A PT can professionally assess your range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, balance, coordination, and speed/agility in addition to any other fitness metrics. This means that they can create a custom workout plan that is optimized for you.
You can prevent injury
Whether you realize it or not, you may not have as good of form as you think. A PT can help improve your form and technique so that you avoid injuries like sprained ankles, pulled muscles, and even more serious conditions like tendonitis. They also understand how to work with all ages (so not just seniors) and genders, which is great for people who may feel intimidated by the gym or unsure of what they are doing. You can get an all-around workout program.
You can get expert advice without bias
Most fitness industry professionals may have an individual agenda. Personal trainers may want you to be a member at their gym. Yoga studio instructors may want you to do yoga. But a physical therapist is there to help you, free of bias. Their sole interest is in you meeting your goals. If they recommend something, it’s because they believe in its efficacy and benefits.
Physical therapy practices are beneficial to everyone, not just those with a chronic condition or injury. This is because the benefits of physical therapy stretch beyond improving your health and fitness, but also in maintaining a healthy lifestyle that will improve your quality of life for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about how PT can help with your overall wellness goals, find a physical therapist near you today and ask them all your questions!
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