What you can expect from physical therapy

CREAKING JOINTS? CHRONIC PAIN? LOSS OF MOBILITY? PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP.

If you’ve had an injury or illness that makes it hard to accomplish daily tasks, your doctor

might recommend physical therapy to reduce your pain and get back to doing the things you love. But you don’t have to wait for an injury or illness to occur to benefit from physical therapy in Greenville. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises to help improve your joint and muscle function. If you stick with the plan, you may even help yourself avoid surgery – and who doesn’t want that?

8 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SENIORS IN GREENVILLE, SC.

1. Reduce pain. Therapeutic exercises, gentle stretching and treatments such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function.
2. Avoid opioids. They can lead to depression, addiction and overdose. Only use opioids as prescribed by your physician for short-term pain relief. For long-term pain relief, physical therapy is a safer alternative.
3. Improve mobility. If you need rehabilitation after surgery, become frail after a prolonged illness or have a medical condition that limits your mobility, physical therapy can help restore your ability to move.
4. Prevent falls. A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of areas that increase your risk of falling and create an exercise plan to improve strength, coordination and balance. There are even specific maneuvers that can reduce and eliminate dizziness or vertigo.
5. Avoid surgery. Before you undergo expensive and invasive surgery, try physical therapy. For some conditions, including meniscus tears, knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, physical therapy has been found to be as effective as surgery.
6. Stroke recovery. Your physical therapist can help improve your balance and walking, show you how to use assistive devices and move safely from your bed to a chair. The main goal will be to help you regain functional skills and lead the best possible quality of life.
7. Manage age-related medical problems. Declines in strength and flexibility can make life challenging. Physical therapy can help you overcome pain, improve movement and preserve your independence.
8. Feel better. Physical therapy can help you feel better physically and mentally. Your physical therapist can get you moving safely. Daily physical activity is good for your body, mind and spirit, and helps prevent injuries and chronic medical conditions.

HOW LONG WILL REHABILITATION TAKE?

Physical therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Some people, depending on their diagnosis, may need just a couple of visits, while others may need months of care. It depends on your goals and your rate of progress. Typically, you’ll be evaluated monthly and when you see your doctor. After you complete your therapy sessions, you may need to continue with exercises you can do at home or at a gym. Your therapist will give you an exercise program designed specifically for you.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “PT” AND A “DPT”?

A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed health professional who has graduate training in physical therapy. A doctor of physical therapy(DPT) has completed a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. Both are highly qualified to provide rehab services and all physical therapists are required to further their professional knowledge with continuing education classes.

Some physical therapists treat all areas of the body while others specialize in treating specific areas, such as the back, neck, knee, hand or shoulder. The therapists at Rolling Green Village specialize in senior rehabilitation and have extensive experience and training in working with seniors.

HOW LONG WILL REHABILITATION TAKE?

If you’ve had surgery or a serious illness, your doctor may recommend a physical therapist. It’s also a good idea to ask family or friends for recommendations. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can also help you find a physical therapist in your area.

Here are a few other things to consider when choosing a physical therapist in Greenville, SC:

• Find a therapist near you. Sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, so there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.
• Check with your insurer for preferred providers. Insurance companies often have lists of physical therapists who participate in their health plans.
• Ask the physical therapy clinic about their services. Make sure they have a service that can treat your problem. Do they specialize in one area, such as geriatrics, sports injuries, stroke rehab, orthopedics, neurology, etc.?
• Verify that your treatment is being delivered by a physical therapist. Your therapist should be licensed and use the designation PT (physical therapist) or DPT (doctor of physical therapy).

PHYSICAL THERAPY AT ROLLING GREEN VILLAGE.

You don’t have to be a resident of Rolling Green Village to receive physical therapy at our Health Center. We accept direct admissions from outside our community.

In addition to physical therapy, we provide aquatic, occupational and speech therapies. We’ve partnered with Heritage Healthcare to offer proven treatments delivered by experienced therapists with specialist geriatric training. To learn more about physical therapy at Rolling Green Village, visit our rehabilitation page or call us at 864-987-9800.