At some point in our lives, we will likely experience joint pain.
Depending on the severity and cause, physical therapy may be an option.
According to the Bone and Joint Initiative USA, nearly one in two Americans over 18 have a musculoskeletal disorder.
Musculoskeletal disorders include osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, fractures and systemic inflammatory conditions, sprains, strains, and fractures.
Many of those are soft tissue injuries when a ligament, muscle, or tendon undergoes a sprain, strain, or contusion due to sudden movement, fall, twist, or hit to the body. It can also occur when a particular muscle is overused and has limited time to rest. When this happens, the joints may become weak, make noise, and experience a limited range of motion.
It’s important not to overlook the pain and immediately see a doctor.
Furthermore, you can go to a physical therapist without a referral from your general physician, eliminating friction for people in various circumstances.
However, the number of sessions may be limited without a doctor’s referral.
Physical therapy aims to empower patients to move freely, increase their range of motion, strengthen muscles, alleviate and minimize pain, and give them the tools to improve their health during and after sessions.
Physical therapy can consist of the following:
Balance training
Cupping - cups placed on the skin to create a suction force
IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) Technique - massage applied directly to the soft tissue with a particular instrument
Strength conditioning
Physical therapists design programs specific to the individual and their needs. The duration depends on multiple factors, including the type of injury and personal progress.
PT can focus on the following areas:
Back pain
Enhance balance
Improve range of motion
Knee injury
Osetheoarthrisitis
Post-surgery issues
Restore function
Sports injuries
Stability and mobility
Taking that first step and doing something about the pain in your body is one productive step forward. As we age, our bones become less dense, and our muscle mass decreases. Stretching and exercising are essential to our musculoskeletal health, and knowing when to seek professional help can make a difference in a healthier you.
Source: (1) United States Bone & Joint Initiative (2) INSURICA: Musculoskeletal Disorders Impact 124 Million Americans (3) OrthoInfo: Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries (4) National Library of Medicine: Physical Therapy